Dhanteras

Dhanteras or’ Dhantrayodashi’ as it is popularly known is an auspicious Hindu festival that is celebrated as the first day of the grand Diwali festivities. It is observed on the trayodashi tith of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight of moon) during the auspicious month of Kartik as per the Hindu calendar, whereas in Gregorian calendar it falls during the month of mid-October to November.

Dhanteras 2020 is on November 13, Friday

The word Dhanteras is obtained by joining two words, ‘Dhan’ meaning ‘wealth’ and ‘Teras’ implies 13th. Hence on the 13th day of the Kartik month, Hindus worship Lord Kuber and Goddess Lakshmi with full devotion. Besides in some regions of India, Dhanteras is celebrated as ‘Dhanwantari Jayanti’ that is the birth anniversary of ‘Dhanwantari’, who is the God of Ayurveda.

Dhanteras is observed two days before the celebrations of Diwali, the great Hindu festival of lights. On this day people worship Goddess Lakshmi to provide well being and prosperity. On this day the Lakshmi puja should be performed during the Pradosh Kaal that lasts for nearly 2 and a half hour after sunset. It is during this time that ‘Sthir Lagan’ prevails and it is believed that by worshipping during this time, Goddess Lakshmi will always stay in your home. This festival holds immense significance for business community and is celebrated all over India with great gaiety and fanfare.

Rituals during Dhanteras

The preparations of Dhanteras begin days in advance of the actual day. People start cleaning and decorating their homes and offices with diyas, lights, rangoli and flowers. The entrance is decorated with traditional and colourful designs of rangoli. The footprint of Goddess Lakshmi is also imprinted at the entrance of the house.

On the day of Dhanteras, people get up and take bath early, right after sunrise. After finishing the morning rituals they make preparations for Lakshmi puja in the evening. The entire family comes together in the evening to worship Goddess Lakshmi with ghee diyas, flowers, kumkum and chawal. People also worship Lord Kuber on this day to double their blessings and benefits.

On this day delicious sweets and savouries are prepared for offering to Goddess Lakshmi. In the state of Maharashtra, there is a unique custom of making ‘Naivedyam’ with powdered dry coriander seeds and jaggery.

On Dhanteras, some devotees also observe a fast since morning and break the fast after finishing the Lakshmi puja. The Prasad is eaten together with the entire family and also distributed among friends and families. People spend the day singing bhajans and devotional songs in praise of Goddess Lakshmi.

On Dhanteras there is also a tradition of lighting Yamadeep. In this ritual a diya is lighted for Yama, the Lord of Death, outside one’s home. It is believed that lighting this diya will ward off all evils and also prevent untimely death of any member of the family.

Significance of Dhanteras

‘Dhantrayodashi’ is considered to be auspicious in Hindu mythology as it is believed that n this day Goddess Lakshmi along with Lord Kuber, the God of wealth, emerged out of the ocean while churning of the milky sea. From then onwards people started offering prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber to seek divine blessings for leading a successful life.

On the day of Dhanteras, buying precious metals like gold or silver is also considered auspicious as a sign of welcoming Goddess Lakshmi in their home. The day of Dhanteras is also favourable for starting a new business venture or even buying house, car and jewelry.