Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi or Dhanvantari Trayodashi, marks the start of the grand Diwali celebrations in India. The festival holds special significance as it is believed to bring wealth, health, and good fortune. The word Dhanteras is derived from two words: Dhan, meaning wealth, and Teras, which refers to the 13th day of the Krishna Paksha (waning moon phase) in the month of Karthik, according to the Hindu calendar.
On Dhanteras people will celebrate this auspicious festival on October 29th by buying precious metals like gold and silver, new utensils, and even vehicles. Purchasing new items on this day is believed to bring prosperity and good luck. Homes are cleaned thoroughly and decorated with colourful rangolis and beautiful diyas (earthen lamps) to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Dhanteras is also the time when families gather together to perform Dhanteras Puja, which involves offering prayers to Goddess Lakshmi for happiness and prosperity.
Historical Significance of Dhanteras
There are three main stories associated with Dhanteras, each adding a unique layer of meaning to the festival:
- Worship of Lord Dhanvantari: According to Hindu mythology, Lord Dhanvantari, the God of Medicine and Ayurveda, emerged from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) holding a pot of Amrit (nectar of immortality) in one hand and a book of Ayurveda in the other. This is why many associate Dhanteras with health and well-being. The health ministries in India, such as Naturopathy, Homeopathy, Siddha, Unani, Yoga, and Ayurveda, also celebrate this day as National Ayurveda Day in honour of Lord Dhanvantari.
- Goddess Lakshmi’s Arrival: Another legend states that Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean during Samudra Manthan, symbolising wealth and prosperity. People light diyas, make rangolis, and place footprints of Goddess Lakshmi made from vermilion and rice flour at the entrance to attract her blessings.
- Lord Yama and Yamadeepdaan: The third story revolves around a young prince who was saved from a predicted snakebite by the bright lights of diyas and metals that his wife had arranged around their home. Since then, Dhanteras has also become known as Yamadeepdaan, where lamps are lit to honour Lord Yama, the God of Death, and to ward off evil and negative energies.
Rituals and Traditions of Dhanteras
During Dhanteras Puja, people perform various rituals to honour Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari. Houses are thoroughly cleaned to welcome the Goddess, and diyas are placed outside every door, except in restrooms, to create a path for her to enter. In the evening, families gather to recite the Dhanteras Katha (story) light diyas and offer sweets and Naivedya as Prashad (offering) to the Goddess.
One of the most well-known Dhanteras rituals is drawing small footprints at the entrance to symbolise the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi. Additionally, people worship their Tulsi plant to attract good fortune and positive energy.
Dhanteras Special Prashad and Dishes
Naivedya is a popular dish offered to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu. It is mentioned in many sacred texts and is prepared using jaggery and dry coriander seeds. Apart from Naivedya, whole wheat halwa (Aate ka halwa) is also made for Goddess Lakshmi in many parts of North India.
Panchamrit is another Prashad prepared for Dhanteras Puja. This chilled beverage consists of five elements: milk, sugar, honey, curd, and ghee.
Dhanteras 2024 Puja Timing
In the year 2024, there is a lot of confusion about Dhanteras wether Dhanteras will be celebrated on October 29 or October 30, But Actual Date of Celebration of Dhanteras 2024 will be Monday, October 29th as Trayodashi Tithi starts on October 29, from 10:31 am and ends on October 30, till 1:15 pm. The auspicious time for Dhanteras Puja will begin in the evening, typically around 6:30 PM and will last until 8:12 PM. The specific time for the Dhanteras 2024 Puja may vary slightly depending on your geographical location, so it’s always best to check local timings closer to the date.
Interesting Facts About Dhanteras
- Shopping For New Metals and Vehicles—Many people associate the festival with Goddess Lakshmi and indulge in shopping for new vehicles and metals on this day. But health ministries like Naturopathy, Homeopathy, Siddha, Unani, Yoga, and Ayurveda celebrate the day as National Ayurveda Day in honour of Dhanvantari, the God of Ayurveda and medicine.
- Buying Silver or Gold Coins -There is a custom of purchasing silver coins with the image of Goddess Lakshmi on them. People believe that buying and worshipping this silver coin multiplies wealth and happiness in the home. Many people also gift these silver Lakshmi coins to their friends and family, wishing them luck and happiness on Diwali.
- Buying Broomsticks - People also buy broomsticks and worship them on the day of Dhanteras. According to Hindu beliefs, a broomstick helps us get rid of negativity, clutter, and bad fortune, so it’s eligible to be worshipped like gods.
Conclusion
Dhanteras is more than just a festival of wealth; it’s a celebration of health, happiness, and family. Whether it’s buying a new piece of jewellery, worshipping the Tulsi plant, or preparing delicious offerings, each tradition has its own significance. By following these customs and performing Dhanteras rituals, people hope to attract Goddess Lakshmi's blessings and Lord Dhanvantari's blessings. So, on Dhanteras 2024, get ready to celebrate with joy, new purchases, and prayers for a prosperous and healthy year ahead.
Plan your trip with Adotrip today. Enjoy a wealth of information and end-to-end travel assistance, and book flights, Hotels, and Tour Packages under one roof.
With Adotrip, nothing is far!
Frequently Asked Questions About Dhanteras
Q1. When is Dhanteras in 2024?
A. Dhanteras in 2024 will be celebrated on Monday, October 28th. It marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festivities.
Q 2. What is the significance of Dhanteras?
A. Dhanteras is celebrated to honour Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity, and Lord Dhanvantari, the God of Medicine. The day is believed to bring good fortune, health, and happiness. People worship the deities and light diyas and buy new items to invite prosperity into their homes.
Q 3. What are the key Dhanteras rituals to follow?
A. On Dhanteras, people clean their homes, light diyas, and make colourful rangolis to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. They perform the Dhanteras Puja in the evening, recite the Dhanteras Katha, and place the Goddess's footprints at the entrance. Many also buy metals like gold, silver, and utensils, as it is considered auspicious.
Q 4. What are the best items to buy on Dhanteras 2024?
A. On Dhanteras, it is considered lucky to buy gold, silver, and new utensils. Many people also purchase Lakshmi-Ganesha idols, kitchen appliances, or even new vehicles. Buying broomsticks is another unique tradition that symbolises sweeping away negativity from the home.
