Dhanteras, a vibrant Hindu festival celebrated two days before Diwali, marks the auspicious beginning of the five-day Diwali festivities. It falls on the 13th day of the dark fortnight in the Hindu lunar month of Kartik. The name "Dhanteras" is derived from "Dhan," meaning wealth, and "Teras," the 13th day. Today, people traditionally buy gold, silver, or other precious metals and items like utensils, vehicles, and electronics, believing it brings prosperity and good luck. Homes are cleaned and decorated, and special prayers are offered to deities like Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Dhanteras is a time of joy, shopping, and preparing for the grand Diwali celebrations.
Dhanteras has an ancient mythological origin rooted in the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata. According to the legend, Lord Yama, the god of death, once visited his friend, the sage Dhruva Narayana, to take his life. However, Dhruva's unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu protected him. Impressed, Lord Yama decided to spare Dhruva's life but advised him to go to his brother, King Hima, and seek protection on the 13th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Kartik. King Hima, following his brother's advice, ordered his subjects to decorate their homes, buy gold and silver, and light lamps to ward off evil spirits and welcome prosperity. This tradition was passed down through generations and evolved into the festival of Dhanteras. The day is also associated with the story of King Bali, who was a devout devotee of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu, in his dwarf avatar Vamana, tricked King Bali into giving up his vast kingdom and sending him to the underworld. Before leaving, Bali requested that Lord Vishnu visit him once a year. Lord Vishnu agreed and promised to return on the day of Dhanteras, bringing light and prosperity. Thus, Dhanteras is celebrated as a day to honor wealth, good health, and the triumph of good over evil. It is a time for families to come together, perform puja (worship), and purchase auspicious items to ensure a prosperous future.
Dhanteras retained its cultural and religious significance during British rule in India, though celebrations were often simpler. People observed the festival by worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari, focusing on traditional rituals for health and prosperity despite economic challenges. Families would buy small quantities of silver or brass items if gold was unaffordable, symbolizing their faith in abundance. Diyas were lit to dispel darkness, and homes were cleaned and decorated with rangolis. Though British influence restricted some practices, Dhanteras continued to unify communities, preserving its essence as a festival of health, wealth, and protection for future generations.
Dhanteras has an ancient mythological origin rooted in the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata. According to the legend, Lord Yama, the god of death, once visited his friend, the sage Dhruva Narayana, to take his life. However, Dhruva's unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu protected him. Impressed, Lord Yama decided to spare Dhruva's life but advised him to go to his brother, King Hima, and seek protection on the 13th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Kartik. King Hima, following his brother's advice, ordered his subjects to decorate their homes, buy gold and silver, and light lamps to ward off evil spirits and welcome prosperity. This tradition was passed down through generations and evolved into the festival of Dhanteras. The day is also associated with the story of King Bali, who was a devout devotee of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu, in his dwarf avatar Vamana, tricked King Bali into giving up his vast kingdom and sending him to the underworld. Before leaving, Bali requested that Lord Vishnu visit him once a year. Lord Vishnu agreed and promised to return on the day of Dhanteras, bringing light and prosperity. Thus, Dhanteras is celebrated as a day to honor wealth, good health, and the triumph of good over evil. It is a time for families to come together, perform puja (worship), and purchase auspicious items to ensure a prosperous future.
Dhanteras retained its cultural and religious significance during British rule in India, though celebrations were often simpler. People observed the festival by worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari, focusing on traditional rituals for health and prosperity despite economic challenges. Families would buy small quantities of silver or brass items if gold was unaffordable, symbolizing their faith in abundance. Diyas were lit to dispel darkness, and homes were cleaned and decorated with rangolis. Though British influence restricted some practices, Dhanteras continued to unify communities, preserving its essence as a festival of health, wealth, and protection for future generations.
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