Dhanteras 2024 Date, Meaning, Puja, Things To Buy

About Dhanteras Festival

Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, marks the first day of the five-day Diwali festival, celebrated widely in India. Falling on the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight in the Hindu month of Kartik, Dhanteras holds significant cultural and religious importance. On this auspicious occasion, Hindus worship Lord Dhanvantari & Goddess Laxmi, seeking blessings for good health and wealth. People also engage in the age-old tradition of purchasing gold, silver, or utensils as a symbolic gesture to invite wealth and prosperity into their homes. It is believed that acquiring something new on Dhanteras brings good fortune, and the day is marked by vibrant decorations, festive lights, and the joyous spirit of preparing for the upcoming Diwali celebrations. Dhanteras serves as a reminder of the importance of wealth and its positive impact when shared and celebrated with loved ones.

Dhanteras 2024 Date

Dhanteras in 2024 will be celebrated on Tuesday, 29 October 2024 in India

Dhanteras Meaning

"Dhanteras" is derived from two Sanskrit words: "Dhan," which means wealth, and "Teras," which refers to the thirteenth day of the lunar fortnight. Therefore, Dhanteras falls on the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in the Hindu month of Kartik.

How To Do Dhanteras Puja At Home

Performing Dhanteras Puja at home is a traditional practice to invoke the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to perform Dhanteras puja at home:

1. Clean and Decorate:
•    Clean your home thoroughly, paying special attention to the puja area.
•    Decorate the entrance with rangoli, flowers, and traditional decorations to create a festive atmosphere.

2. Setting up the Puja:
•    Place a clean and preferably new cloth on a raised platform or chowki for the puja.
•    Arrange idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on the platform.

3. Invocation:
•    Begin the puja by lighting a diya (oil lamp) and incense sticks.
•    Chant prayers or mantras dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, invoking her presence and seeking her blessings.

4. Kalash Sthapana:
•    Set up a Kalash (metal pot) filled with water, betel nut, a coin, flowers, and leaves. Place it near the idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha.
•    Tie a red or yellow thread around the neck of the Kalash.

5. Ganesh Puja:
•    Offer prayers to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, before invoking Goddess Lakshmi.
•    Perform a simple Ganesh Puja with the recitation of Ganesh mantras.

6. Lakshmi Puja:
•    Bathe the idol or picture of Goddess Lakshmi with water, milk, honey, and ghee.
•    Offer sandalwood paste, kumkum, and fresh flowers to the goddess.
•    Place coins and betel leaves near the idol as an offering.
•    Light the diya, incense, and offer sweets, fruits, and other traditional dishes as bhog.

7. Aarti:
•    Sing the Lakshmi Aarti or any other devotional song dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi.
•    Wave a lit diya or camphor in front of the idols as a symbol of aarti.

8. Distribute Prasad:
•    After the puja, distribute prasad (offered sweets and fruits) among family members and guests.

9. Offerings to the Deities:
•    It is common to buy and offer something on Dhanteras Shubh Muhurat like coins, jewelry, or symbolic items as a representation of wealth to the deities.

10. Express Gratitude:
•    Conclude the puja by expressing gratitude to Goddess Lakshmi and seeking her continued blessings for prosperity.

Performing Dhanteras Puja with devotion and sincerity is believed to attract wealth and prosperity into one's life. It is a time-honored tradition that symbolizes the celebration of abundance and the importance of gratitude in Hindu culture.

Things To Buy On Dhanteras

Dhanteras is considered an auspicious day for purchasing items that symbolize prosperity and wealth. People often buy specific items on Dhanteras as a part of the tradition. Here are some common things to buy on Dhanteras:

1.    Gold and Silver:
•    Buying gold or silver jewelry, coins, or utensils is a popular tradition on Dhanteras. It is believed to bring prosperity and good fortune.

2.    Utensils:
•    Purchasing new utensils, especially made of silver or other metals, is considered auspicious. It is believed to bring blessings for a well-equipped and prosperous kitchen.

3.    Appliances:
•    Some people choose to buy new electronic appliances or gadgets on Dhanteras, symbolizing the modern aspect of wealth and prosperity.

4.    Vehicles:
•    Buying a vehicle, especially a car or a bike, is considered fortunate on Dhanteras. It symbolizes the acquisition of assets and signifies progress.

5.    Real Estate:
•    Investing in real estate or buying a new home is considered auspicious on Dhanteras. It signifies long-term wealth and stability.

6.    Clothing:
•    Purchasing new clothes for oneself and family members is a common practice. It symbolizes a fresh start and prosperity.

7.    Electronic Items:
•    Buying electronic items like smartphones, laptops, or other gadgets is a modern interpretation of acquiring wealth and prosperity.

8.    Idols and Religious Items:
•    Purchasing idols of deities, especially Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, along with other religious items for worship, is common on Dhanteras.

9.    Books and Educational Material:
•    For those who value knowledge and education, buying books or educational materials on Dhanteras is considered auspicious.

10.    Decor Items:
•    Purchasing home decor items such as artwork, furnishings, or other aesthetically pleasing items is believed to enhance the positive energy in the home.

11.    Gemstones:
•    Some people choose to buy gemstones, believing that they bring good luck and positive energy.

It's important to note that the significance of Dhanteras is not just in the act of buying but also in the intention and symbolism behind the purchases. The idea is to bring prosperity and well-being into one's life through these symbolic acquisitions.

What Is The History Of Dhanteras Festival

Dhanteras, has its roots in Hindu mythology and is associated with several legends. One of the most popular stories linked to the festival is the churning of the ocean, known as the Samudra Manthan, found in Hindu scriptures, particularly in the Puranas. The specific narrative related to Dhanteras varies across regions, but the essence revolves around the acquisition of wealth and the worship of Goddess Lakshmi.

One prominent legend associated with Dhanteras is the tale of the churning of the ocean by the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) to obtain the nectar of immortality (amrita). During this churning, various divine and precious objects emerged from the ocean, including the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. It is believed that Dhanteras commemorates the day when Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods, emerged carrying a pot of elixir, symbolizing health and prosperity.

Another popular legend is the story of King Hima's son. According to this tale, it was predicted that the prince would face death on the fourth day of his marriage due to a snake bite. To protect him, his wife lit lamps and placed gold and silver coins, and heaps of jewelry at the entrance of their chamber. When Yama, the god of death, arrived disguised as a serpent, he was blinded by the brilliance of the lamps and the glittering wealth. Yama could not enter the chamber, and the prince's life was spared. This day came to be celebrated as Dhanteras.

The festival is also associated with the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after his victory over Ravana. People welcomed him by lighting lamps and diyas, and the tradition continues during Diwali, of which Dhanteras is the first day.

In summary, Dhanteras is a festival deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, and its celebration is associated with various legends. The common thread in these stories is the significance of acquiring wealth, health, and prosperity, and the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the bestower of these blessings. The rituals and customs of Dhanteras have evolved over time, but the essence of the festival remains a celebration of prosperity and the triumph of good over evil.