Every year around this time, homes across South India start filling up with the scent of turmeric, fresh mango leaves and jasmine as families prepare for Varalakshmi Vratam. But this year, there's an extra step before the rituals even begin, figuring out which Friday to actually observe.
Some Panchangs point to August 21. Others insist it's August 28. And unlike most festival date debates, which usually clear up once one authoritative source is checked, this one has genuinely split opinion among priests, temples and family elders alike.
