Dhanteras 2024: Dhanteras is an important and auspicious Hindu festival celebrated on the 13th lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashvin according to the Hindu calendar. This year, it falls on Tuesday, October 29. The word “Dhanteras” is derived from two Sanskrit words: “dhan,” which means wealth, and “teras,” which means the 13th day.
On the occasion of this festival, people participate in the age-old tradition of buying gold and silver jewellery, vehicles, and utensils, with the aim of welcoming prosperity in their lives. The day is particularly sacred for seeking the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Lord Ganesha, the god of wisdom.
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To invite positive energy, homes and businesses are cleaned and decorated with vibrant rangoli designs. Many diyas (oil lamps) are lit on their doorsteps to ward off negativity and darkness. Families usually perform Lakshmi Puja in the evening, offering sweets and flowers in the hope of receiving blessings for prosperity. This festive day marks the beginning of Diwali, which promotes a sense of joy and togetherness.
In Hindu mythology, Dhanteras commemorates the day when Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean during the churning of the Ksheera Sagar, also known as ‘Samudra Manthan’. It is also believed that Lord Dhanvantri, the god of medicine, appeared with ‘amrita’, which symbolizes eternal purity, divinity and immortality. As a result, Dhanteras is a day to bring material wealth, health and well-being into the home, making it an important occasion in Hindu culture. Dhanteras has historical, mythological and cultural significance, celebrated for three main reasons linked to mythology:
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- Emergence of Goddess Lakshmi: On this day, it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the Ksheera Sagar carrying a pot of gold, accompanied by Lord Kubera, the god of wealth. Both the deities are worshipped during this festival.
- The Prince and the Serpent: A popular story tells of a prince who was about to die of a snake bite on the fourth night of his marriage. To save him, his wife filled the room with gold and silver coins, thereby distracting Yama, the god of death, who appeared in the form of a snake. This act of wisdom and love is remembered as Dhanteras.
- Arrival of Lord Dhanvantri: Dhanteras is also associated with Dhanvantri, the god of health. According to mythology, he emerged carrying a pot of nectar during the Samudra Manthan for ‘amrita’. Thus, Dhanteras is seen as a festival that brings good health and wealth, which holds even more significance for devotees.
The day usually begins with a refreshing bath, symbolizing purity. Cleaning the house, especially the place of worship, is important to create a sacred space to attract positive energy.
After cleaning, decoration is done. Bright flowers, colorful rangoli designs, and lights are used to create an inviting atmosphere for the deities. This decoration not only enhances the home but also invites divine blessings.
Puja Setup
Prepare the puja altar in a clean, well-ventilated area facing east or north. Place the idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi prominently, and you can also include Lord Kubera or other deities you worship. Create a vibrant altar by surrounding the idols with flowers, fruits, and sweets.
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Performing Puja
After worshipping Lord Ganesha, it is time to invoke Goddess Lakshmi. Recite her mantra to receive blessings of prosperity and abundance. It is important to offer flowers, sweets and fruits to these deities as an act of devotion.
Conclude the puja with an aarti ceremony, waving diyas in front of the deities as a symbol of reverence and gratitude. Share the prasad with family and friends, adding to the sense of community celebration.
Dhanteras is traditionally celebrated in the evening. Making footprints entering the home symbolizes the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi. Families often buy new utensils or jewellery on this day to invite wealth.
Special offerings
During the puja, special offerings are prepared, including panchamrit, naivedya and sweets like motichoor laddu and kheer. These dishes are served to the deities and later shared with family members.
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