Varalakshmi Vratham and Tax Returns

"We have long had death and taxes as the two standards of inevitability. But there are those who believe that death is the preferable of the two. "At least," as one man said, "there's one advantage about death; it doesn't get worse every time Congress meets." ~Erwin N. Griswold

One more hectic week and another well-deserved weekend. July 31st marked the last day for filing returns - so it was a mad rush to fill out forms , submit Form 16 and dash to the accountant to submit for filing. Am I glad that it comes by only once a year!

"Income tax returns are the most imaginative fiction being written today." ~Herman Wouk

A garland of marigolds to decorate the main entrance for the festival

July 31st was also Varalakshmi Vratham day and an extremely busy one. Cleaning, dusting and getting everything ready took nearly 3 days prior to the big day. On Friday, the pooja, cooking and catering to guests took up most of the day. Payasam, vadas, pulihora, panchamrutham, rice, dal, vegetables and curd formed the festive offerings while sweets were purchased from outside.

Pooja decorations

Offerings to the deity - diyas, fruit, incense and food

Offerings to the deity - new clothes

The deity, decorated with ornaments and flowers