Dhanteras

[SwatiSood]

Dhanteras is a Hindu festival that marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali celebrations. It usually falls in October or November, on the thirteenth day of the lunar month of Kartika. Here are some key points about Dhanteras:

Significance

• Wealth and Prosperity: Dhanteras is dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, the God of Ayurveda, and is associated with health and wealth. People worship him to seek blessings for prosperity and good health.
• Buying Gold and Silver: It is considered auspicious to buy precious metals like gold and silver on this day, as it symbolizes the welcoming of wealth into the home.

Celebrations

• Cleaning and Decorating: Homes and businesses are cleaned and decorated to welcome prosperity. Rangoli designs are often created at the entrance.
• Puja and Offerings: Devotees perform puja (worship) in the evening, offering prayers and lighting lamps to invite blessings.

Traditions

• Shopping: Many people buy new utensils, jewelry, or other valuables on this day.
• Festive Foods: Special sweets and dishes are prepared to celebrate the occasion.

[neharani]

Dhanteras, also known as "Dhanatrayodashi," is a significant Hindu festival marking the beginning of the five-day Diwali celebration. Observed on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the Hindu month of Ashwin, Dhanteras is dedicated to wealth, prosperity, and good health.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects of Dhanteras:

1. Significance of Dhanteras

• The word "Dhanteras" comes from "Dhan," meaning wealth, and "Teras," referring to the thirteenth day. This day is associated with the goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, and Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda and health.
• According to Hindu mythology, Dhanvantari emerged from the churning of the ocean, or Samudra Manthan, with a pot of Amrit (elixir), symbolizing health and vitality.

2. Rituals and Traditions

• Cleaning and Decorating Homes: People clean and decorate their homes with rangolis and light lamps, as it is believed to invite Goddess Lakshmi to bless the household.
• Purchasing Metals: A popular custom on Dhanteras is buying precious metals, especially gold and silver, as it is considered auspicious and a symbol of wealth and good fortune.
• Lighting Diyas: Lighting small clay lamps is done to drive away evil spirits and to welcome positive energy.

3. Worship of Dhanvantari and Lakshmi

• Devotees worship Lord Dhanvantari to seek blessings for health and well-being and perform Lakshmi puja in the evening to invoke prosperity and abundance.
• Prayers are also offered to Yamraj, the god of death, to seek protection and blessings for longevity.

4. Importance of Financial Planning

• Dhanteras is a time when families reflect on financial planning and investments. The purchase of valuable items on this day symbolizes stability and future prosperity.

5. Cultural Celebrations

• In different regions of India, the customs and traditions vary. For instance, in Maharashtra, families prepare a special dish called "Naivedya," made of coriander seeds and jaggery.
• In some parts of North India, it is also common to gamble, as it is believed to bring luck and prosperity.

6. Modern-Day Observance

• Dhanteras remains popular in contemporary times, with people marking it by making purchases, praying for good health, and starting the festival of lights with joy and optimism.

[Diwakar SIngh]

• Significance: The day is dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda, and is associated with wealth and prosperity. It’s believed that worshiping Dhanvantari brings health and well-being.
• Buying Precious Metals: People often purchase gold, silver, or other precious items on Dhanteras as a symbol of prosperity. This practice is rooted in the belief that buying metals brings good luck.
• Cleaning and Decorating: In preparation for the festival, homes are cleaned and decorated to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, and to usher in positive energy.
• Rituals: Devotees perform prayers (puja) and light diyas (oil lamps) to honor the gods and seek blessings for health and prosperity.
• Festive Atmosphere: Markets buzz with activity as people shop for new clothes, utensils, and sweets to celebrate the occasion.

[harpreetkaur]

Dhanteras, celebrated two days before Diwali, marks the beginning of the five-day Hindu festival of lights. Known as Dhanatrayodashi or Dhanvantari Trayodashi, this day is especially auspicious for purchasing gold, silver, and other precious items as a way to invite prosperity and good fortune into the home. The word Dhan means wealth, while Teras refers to the thirteenth day of the Hindu lunar calendar, making it the perfect day for financial investments and preparations for Diwali celebrations.

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Why is Dhanteras Celebrated?


The celebration of Dhanteras is rooted in ancient Hindu mythology and signifies the triumph of light and prosperity over darkness and misfortune. The festival has two main origins:

1. The Story of King Hima and His Son: According to legend, it was predicted that the son of King Hima would die from a snake bite on the fourth day of his marriage. To protect him, his wife laid out gold, silver, and numerous lamps around him. When Lord Yama, the God of Death, arrived as a serpent, he was blinded by the glittering ornaments and the lamps. Distracted, Yama left without harming the king's son, sparking the tradition of lighting lamps on Dhanteras as a way to avert misfortune.
2. The Birth of Dhanvantari: Dhanteras is also associated with Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda, who emerged from the ocean during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) carrying the amrita, or nectar of immortality. Therefore, on this day, people worship Lord Dhanvantari for health and well-being.

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Key Rituals and Customs of Dhanteras


Dhanteras is marked by various rituals and practices aimed at inviting prosperity, health, and good fortune. Here’s how it’s traditionally celebrated: 1. Shopping for Gold, Silver, and Utensils

• Purchasing precious metals on Dhanteras is believed to bring wealth and prosperity. People buy gold, silver, and new kitchenware as symbols of abundance.
• In modern times, items such as jewelry, electronics, and even investment instruments are bought to mark this auspicious occasion.

2. Cleaning and Decorating the Home

• In preparation for Diwali, families thoroughly clean their homes on Dhanteras to create a welcoming space for Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.
• Homes are adorned with fresh flowers, rangoli designs, and colorful lights, signifying joy and festivity.

3. Setting Up Oil Lamps and Diyas

• Diyas (small oil lamps) are placed around the home, in entryways, and near the family shrine. This illuminates the home and is believed to dispel negativity and invite positive energy.
• Families also light lamps dedicated to Lord Yama, asking for protection and well-being.

4. Performing the Dhanteras Puja

• People perform a special Dhanteras puja at home to worship Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi, praying for health, prosperity, and protection from harm.
• During the puja, devotees use offerings such as flowers, sweets, and rice, chanting prayers and mantras to bless their families and homes.

5. Honoring Cows and Livestock

• In rural areas, livestock is honored on Dhanteras, as cows and cattle are seen as symbols of wealth and sustainability. People clean, decorate, and feed their livestock as part of the celebrations.

[megri]

Dhanteras is celebrated for several important cultural and spiritual reasons. Let me explain them concisely:

1. Historical Significance:

• Marks the birth of Dhanvantari (the divine physician) who emerged from the ocean during Samudra Manthan
• Commemorates the story of King Hima's salvation from death through his wife's wisdom

1. Religious Importance:

• First day of the five-day Diwali festival
• Dedicated to worshipping Goddess Lakshmi (wealth) and Lord Kubera (treasurer of gods)
• People seek blessings for prosperity and well-being

1. Cultural Practices:

• "Dhan" means wealth and "Teras" means thirteenth day of lunar fortnight
• Considered highly auspicious for purchasing precious metals
• Homes are cleaned and decorated with rangoli and diyas
• Business communities start new accounting year

1. Symbolic Meaning:

• Represents the triumph of wisdom over death
• Symbolizes prosperity and protection from negative forces
• Marks new beginnings and financial growth
• Encourages the practice of wise financial planning

1. Modern Observance:

• Families purchase new utensils or precious metals
• Homes and offices are renovated and cleaned
• Special prayers are offered for financial well-being
• Traditional sweets and meals are prepared
• People exchange gifts and greetings

1. Health Aspect:

• Lord Dhanvantari is considered the father of Ayurveda
• People pray for good health along with wealth
• Traditional practices include consuming special herbal preparations

The festival essentially combines material prosperity with spiritual growth, making it an important celebration in Hindu culture. Would you like to know more about any specific aspect of these celebrations?

[megri]

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.