Finance
Dhanteras, the first day of Diwali, will be celebrated on November 10, Friday, this year. The day is considered auspicious for purchasing gold and silver jewelry, utensils, and even gadgets in order to welcome Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera, both of whom represent wealth and success in Hindu mythology, to their homes. Dhanteras, also known as Dhantryodashi, is a Hindu festival observed on the 13th lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu calendar month of Ashvin or Kartika.
Dhanteras is a mash-up of two words. The word ‘Dhan’ means riches, while the word ‘Teras’ means the thirteenth day of Krishna Paksha. During the puja on this day, Goddess Lakshmi, Ganesha, Dhanvantri, and Lord Kubera are worshiped. Goddesses Saraswati, Maha Lakshmi, and Mahakali are the three forms of Goddess Lakshmi that are worshipped during the puja.
Why is Dhanteras celebrated?
Dhanteras is a five-day celebration of spiritual victory and the Diwali festivities. Devotees pray to Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera, and Lord Dhanvantrari, the God of Ayurveda and health, on this day, requesting blessings for money, success, and well-being. According to Hindu mythology, those who give prayers to Lord Dhanvantrari on this festival would be free of all ailments and sorrows.
According to popular tradition, on the auspicious day of Trayodashi, Goddess Durga and Lord Kubera emerged from the ocean during the “Sagar Manthan,” which is why the two are revered. While the Devas and Asuras were traveling across the sea with “Amrit,” Lord Dhanvantari appeared last during “Sagar Manthan.”
Notably, this year, the Dhanteras puja muhurat is scheduled to last from 5:47 pm to 7:43 pm, or almost two hours.
To make the most of Dhanteras and attract money and prosperity into your life, there are some things you should do and avoid doing. Scroll down to learn about the key Dhanteras customs, traditions, and practices, as well as a thorough guide to what to do and what to avoid on this auspicious occasion.
Dhanteras 2023 dos and don’ts
Dos
1. On the day of Dhanteras, Lakshmi puja must be performed during Pradosh Kaal, the two hours immediately following sunset. During this time, Lakshmi puja can bring luck and prosperity to the home.
2. People should buy brooms as they are said to be a symbol of the goddess Laxmi. Buying gold and silver coins and idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha is also considered auspicious on this day.
3. As it is said that the goddess appears in a clean environment, make sure to clean the house the day before Dhanteras.
4. Cow worship is highly revered on Dhanteras. Cows must be fed and given chapati and jaggery.
5. As Lord Dhanvantri is worshipped on this day and is considered the god of medicine, people should help the sick and provide them with medicines.
6. The mantras of Goddess Laxmi and Kuber should be recited as much as possible on this day.
7. It is auspicious to buy salt on this day. Use this salt for cooking on Diwali. To remove all negative energy from the house on Diwali, use a small amount of this salt when cleaning.
Don’ts
1. People shouldn’t buy sharp objects like knives, forks, scissors, etc. on this auspicious day.
2. People should refrain from selling anything today, as it is customary to buy new things on this auspicious day.
3. Avoid eating non-vegetarian food or tamsik food such as eggs, onions and garlic. For festivals, prepare only satvik food.
4. This day is not considered auspicious for borrowing money, so avoid it.
5. Use diyas and lamps to decorate your house; make sure that no nook or corner is left dark.
6. Refrain from harmful activities like drinking alcohol, gambling etc.
7. On Dhanteras, steer clear of buying anything black. Alternatively, prefer bright colours such as gold, orange, yellow, red, etc.
