Diwali is right around the corner, and this time of festivities will start with the festival of Dhanteras or Dhantrayodashi. It falls on the 13th day of the Hindu lunar calendar, which is why it’s called “Teras’ while the word "Dhan" translates to wealth. Hence, the day is all about celebrating prosperity, good health, and well-being.
In this blog, we will learn more about Dhanteras and why it is one of the auspicious days for Lakshmi puja.
What is Dhanteras?
Dhanteras is a Hindu festival that marks the beginning of the 5-days festival of Diwali. It is celebrated on the 13th day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartika.
According to the legends, when devas (gods) and asuras (demons) performed Samundra Manthan (the churning of the ocean) to attain Amrit (elixir of life), Lord Dhanvantari, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the god of medicine and Ayurveda, appeared from the ocean carrying a pot of the nectar of immortality on Dhanteras.
Because of this, dhanteras is also dedicated to good health and healing. Many people offer prayers to Lord Dhanvantari, asking for protection against illnesses and blessings for a healthy life.
In another story, Goddess Laxmi is believed to have emerged during Samundra Manthan as a beautiful, young lady, holding a pot full of gold coins and other treasures on the day of Dhanteras. Hence, the ritual of Shree Laxmi puja honoring the goddess of wealth and prosperity is performed on Dhanteras. On this day, people clean and decorate their homes with diyas to attract the blessings of Maa Lakshmi into their homes.
When is Dhanteras 2024?
This year, Dhanteras will be celebrated on 29th October, Tuesday. Here are the important Muhurats for the day:
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Events on Dhanteras |
Timings |
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Pradosh Kaal |
05:38 PM to 08:13 PM |
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Vrishabha Kaal |
06:31 PM to 08:27 PM |
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Trayodashi Tithi Begins |
10:31 AM on 29th October, 2024 |
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Trayodashi Tithi Ends |
01:15 AM on 30th October, 2024 |
On dhanteras, many people buy gold, silver, or new household items because it’s believed to bring good fortune. But it’s not just about material wealth. It’s a day to invite both health and happiness into your home.
Legends Associated with Dhanteras
According to the legends, when devas (gods) and asuras (demons) performed Samundra Manthan (the churning of the ocean) to attain Amrit (elixir of life), Lord Dhanvantari, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the god of medicine and Ayurveda, appeared from the ocean carrying a pot of the nectar of immortality on Dhanteras.
Because of this, dhanteras is also dedicated to good health and healing. Many people offer prayers to Lord Dhanvantari, asking for protection against illnesses and blessings for a healthy life.
In another story, Goddess Laxmi is believed to have emerged during Samundra Manthan as a beautiful, young lady, holding a pot full of gold coins and other treasures on the day of Dhanteras. Hence, the ritual of Shree Laxmi puja honoring the goddess of wealth and prosperity is performed on Dhanteras. On this day, people clean and decorate their homes with diyas to attract the blessings of Maa Lakshmi into their homes.
What to Buy on Dhanteras 2024?
Dhanteras is considered really auspicious for investing in new things. Here’s a list of things you can consider buying on Dhanteras:
Gold & Silver
One of the most popular and auspicious purchases of Dhanteras is gold and silver. These metals are not only seen as symbols of wealth but are also believed to attract prosperity and good fortune. More so, they are also said to invoke the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and good fortune.
Utensils
In many households, buying utensils on Dhanteras is considered an important ritual. It is believed that bringing new utensils into the home invites prosperity and keeps the kitchen (the heart of the home) full of abundance throughout the year.
Meanwhile, know that you don’t actually need to make a large purchase; even buying a simple set of steel or copper utensils is enough to follow the tradition.
Broomstick
This might sound a bit unusual but buying a broomstick on Dhanteras has been an age-old custom. It is believed to sweep away negativity and bad energies from your home, making way for positivity and prosperity. Besides, it is also linked with the belief that Goddess Lakshmi blesses homes that are kept clean and tidy, so the broomstick is seen as a tool to welcome her blessings.
Lakshmi and Ganesha Idols
What better way to celebrate Dhanteras than by bringing home idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha? It’s believed that worshipping these deities during dhan teras puja and throughout the Diwali festival brings good fortune, removes obstacles, and ensures success in the coming year.
Home Appliances
Many people also choose to buy home appliances on Dhanteras, especially items like refrigerators, washing machines, or microwaves. These are seen as long-term investments that can improve the quality of life and provide abundance. The best part is that many stores even offer special discounts and deals during this festive period, making it a smart time to buy.
Dhanteras Timings for Buying Gold 2024
Although the entire day of Dhanteras is considered auspicious, there are specific muhurats (timings) that help make your purchases more fruitful. For Dhanteras 2034, the most favorable time for making a purchase will be between 6:31 PM to 8:13 PM on 29th October.
Significance Of Buying Gold On Dhanteras
If you’ve ever noticed how packed the jewelry stores are on dhanteras, there’s a reason for that! It’s considered extremely lucky to buy gold, silver, or new utensils on this day. These items are seen as symbols of wealth and prosperity, and purchasing them is believed to bring good luck for the entire year.
Even if you don’t have the budget to go for something hefty, you can even consider buying something small like a silver coin or even a spoon. In the end, it's all about your sentiment behind it that matters.
How to Prepare for Lakshmi Pujan on dhanteras?
Dhanteras is basically the beginning of the 5-day festival of Diwali event, and all the preparations for the big day start here.
One of the biggest traditions is cleaning the house thoroughly. Think of it as a fresh start. A clean, tidy home is believed to attract positive energy, and more importantly, it invites Goddess Lakshmi to stay.
Apart from cleaning, people also decorate their homes with rangolis made using colored powders or flower petals and light diyas. These little earthen lamps are placed all around the house to drive away darkness and negativity.
In the evening, families gather to perform a simple puja (prayer ceremony) for Maa Dhanlaxmi. Some also worship their newly purchased items whether it’s gold, silver, or utensils as a way of expressing gratitude and hoping for more abundance in the coming year.
Also Read : Durga Visarjan 2024 : Tradition, Timings, and Environmental Impact
Takeaway
Dhanteras marks the start of Diwali’s festive energy. It sets the vibe for everything that’s to come – family gatherings, sweets, gifts, and of course, the grand Lakshmi Pujan on Diwali night. On this day, we not only focus on material wealth but also invite good health, happiness, and positivity into our lives. And no matter whether you’re buying something new, cleaning your home, or simply lighting a small diya, it’s all about opening yourself up to the prosperity and joy the festival of lights brings.
Happy Dhanteras! May your day be filled with love, light, and laughter!
Dhanteras 2024 FAQ
- What is the time for Dhanteras in 2024?
- The Shubh muhurat for Dhanteras 2024 is between 7:27 PM to 9:16 PM on 29th October.
- When to buy gold on Dhanteras 2024?
- The most auspicious time to buy gold on Dhanteras 2024 is between 6:31 PM to 8:13 PM.
- Which Deity Is Worshiped On Dhanteras?
- Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantri are worshipped on Dhanteras.
- Is It Good To Buy Gold During Dhanteras?
- Yes, buying gold, silver, or even utensils on Dhanteras is considered really auspicious.
