Shri Vratam, or Lakshmi Vratam or Lakshmi Panchami vratam, also known as Chaitra Lakshmi Puja, is observed on Chaitra Shukla Panchami, the fifth day in Chaitra month as per Telugu, Marathi, Gujarati and Kannada calendars. In 2010, Shri Vratam date is March 20. ‘Shri’ means Goddess Lakshmi Devi or the Goddess of wealth who is worshipped on Lakshmi Panchami puja day.

Shri Vratam is puja observed mainly in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and some parts of Maharashtra. This is the first Lakshmi puja in a Hindu year. The major Lakshmi pooja is performed during Diwali. In Some places, Kojagari Lakshmi Puja (Sharad Purnima Lakshmi Pooja), Falguna Purnima Lakshmi Puja, Margashira Guruvar Lakshmi Puja are also observed.

Lakshmi Puja is also observed on Falgun Purnima which is popularly celebrated as Holi or Dhuleti Holi. It is believed that on Phalguna Poornima day, Goddess Lakshmi was born as the day is also known as Lakshmi Jayanti for many communities in India. In 2010, Lakshmi Puja time during Falgun Purnima is from 6 pm to 10 pm on February 28. In 2010, Falgun Purnima begins on February 28 at 1.46 am and ends at 10.06 pm.

Falgun purnima is also known for Indra Puja or Shachindra Puja. On this day, Lord Indra and his consort Shachi Devi is also worshipped. Usually, Manmatha and Rati are worshipped on this day due to their sacrifice.

Falgun Purnima or Phalgun Poornima or Phalguna Pournami or Holika Purnima is the Full Moon day in Falgun month. This auspicious day is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Goddess Lakshmi. In 2010, Falgun Poornima date is March 1, 2010. During Falguna month, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshipped but Krishna Puja and Lakshmi Puja are the main rituals in the month. Holi or Vasantotsav are also celebrated on Falgun month.

Every Pournami or Purnima is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Falgun Poornima is mreo auspicious to perform Lakshmi Puja as it is the day of Lakshmi Jayanti or Appearance day of Goddess Lakshmi.

Lord Krishna is also worshipped on Phalgun Purnima day. Vasantotsav or Krishna Raasleela in Vasant rithu begins on Phalgun Poornima day and continues till Ranga Panchami. Mathura Vrindavan Krishna Temple, Guruvayur Krishna Mandir, and ISKCON temples are the best places to visit on Holika Purnima.

Sri Lakshmi Jayanti, birthday of Goddess Sri Lakshmi Devi, is observed Phalgun Purnima, the Full Moon day in Falgun month. Lakshmi Jayanthi 2010 date is February 28, 2010. On this occasion devotees worship Goddess Laxmi devi, Goddess of wealth, with utmost devotion. This festival is also celebrated as Holi or Madan Purnima or Vasant Poornima.

In some places Lakshmi Jayanthi is observed on Uttara Phalguni nakshatram day. As per Nakshtra, Lakshmi Jayanthi 2010 date is March 2. (Phalguna Krishna Vidiya).

Birth of Goddess Laxmi Devi – Legend of Sagar Manthan:
Puranas and several ancient Hindu scriptures describe the birth of Goddess Maha Laxmi. Devotees believe that the Goddess is the daughter of Bhrigu Maharshi and reborn during the churning of the Milk Ocean (Ksheera Sagar manthan).

The Story behind Ksheera Saagara Manthan (Churning of the Milky Ocean):
The story of Ksheera Saagara Manthanam (Samudra Manthan) tells the birth of Goddess Maha Lakshmi. When Lord Indra, the King of Gods, was riding on his elephant, sage Durvasa Maharshi presented him a special garland. But Lord Indra put that special flower garland on the trunk of his elephant. Irritated by the smell and crushed the garland, the elephant crushed the garland with its foot. This enraged Durvasa Muni and he cursed Indra and all Gods that they will lose their entire strength, energy, and fortune.

As the curse of Durvasa Muni started working all Gods became week and lost everything. They all went to Maha Vishnu and prayed to him for their lost wealth, health and wisdom. Lord Vishnu promised that he will deal the issue during Sagar Manthan and the Goddess of wealth will emerge from the Ocean. As the Lord promised, along with Amrit (Nector) Goddess Lakshmi was also emerged from the ocean.

Image source: Dolls of India

Lakshmi Panchami, also known as Shri Vratam, is a vow dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. This vratham is observed on Chaitra Shukla Panchami, the fifth day in Shukla Paksh during Chaitra month. Lakshmi Panchami 2010 date is March 20, 2010. Shree Lakshmi Panchami is considered as very auspicious day to worship Goddess of wealth, Sri Laxmi Devi.

On Shri Lakshmi Panchami day, Goddess Maha Laxmi is worshipped with shodashopachara puja and Lakshmi Astottara pujas and offered special naivedyam. Women observe fasting during the vrata. At Kollapur Mahalakshmi Temple in Maharashtra and Vizag Kanaka Mahalakshmi Temple and Hyderabad Ashtalakshmi Temple in Andhra Pradesh, Lakshmi Panchami Vrat is observed amidst utmost fervor.

Falgun Purnima is observed as Lakshmi Jayanti, the birthday of Goddess Laxmi. In 2010, Lakshmi Jayanti date is March 1, 2010. This festival is also known as Holi or Madana Purnima.