Diwali is the most important of all festivals celebrated in India and it offers a magical atmosphere of festivity and joy all around. Dhanteras is the first day of the Diwali festival and usually falls one or two days before the Lakshmi puja is performed on the main Diwali day. It is usually called Dhanvantari Triodasi or Dhan Theras. Dhan means “wealth” and Triodasi means “13th day”. This special day of the five day Diwali festival holds great importance for business people as they renovate and decorate their premises and make beautiful rangoli designs or traditional motifs to welcome the Goddess of prosperity and wealth.
Significance of Dhanteras:
According to Hindu mythology, when the asuras and devas were churning the ocean for the nectar of immortality- Amrit, then Dhanvantri emerged with amrit on this day. Hindu families consider it to be auspicious to purchase silver, gold or any other utensils. People begin the Diwali celebration with the purchase and perform Lakshmi puja at home in the myth of Lakshmi coming at home. Dhanteras is also the day when new business account books are bought and kept ready.
Stories associated with the festival
One story associated with the celebration is the story of the 16 years old son of King Hima. It was forecasted that he would die of snake biting on the 4th day of his marriage, but his wife was quite clever and she found some means to save his life. She did not allow him to sleep on that day and collected lots of ornaments and gold and silver coins and made a heap at the doorway of the bedroom and lit lamps in the room. She also recited various stories to keep her husband awake. When God Yama arrived, his eyes were dazzled with the brightness all over and he could not enter the house and left the place silently. Thus the prince was saved and the day is celebrated as Dhanteras.
The following days came to be knows as Naraka Chaturdashi. It is also known as Yamadeepdaan as ladies light diyas throughout the night glorifying Yama. We worship Tulsi and Akashdeep seeking the favor of nature, the ultimate source of health and wealth. Lakshmi puja is performed in the evening and diyas made of clay are lit to drive away the shadows of evil spirits.
How Dhanteras is celebrated?
Dhanteras is celebrated by purchasing new jewelry, clothes or utensils and in the evening, diyas are lit and Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped. A rangoli is made at the entrance of the door to welcome the Goddess. Readymade small footprints are used or footprints are drawn made of rice flower and vermillion powder all over the houses. During the puja, devotional songs are sung and aarti is performed and even special food items are prepared. People keep a fast and after the puja is over, they break their fast by eating kheer, puri, sabji and sweetmeats. Lord Kuber is also worshipped who is the treasurer of wealth. People living in villages decorate their cattle and worship them as they are considered their main source of income.
Importance of celebrating Dhanteras
Purchasing new things for the home is considered auspicious and people perform Lakshmi puja during the subh mahurat. Golden flower and sweets are offered during the puja, and it is believed that the festival brings lots of prosperity, happiness, wealth and good luck for all. Houses and surrounding are cleaned before the celebration to remove all the bad energies and everyone takes bath and wear new clothes to clean up their body, mind and soul before performing the puja.
Dhanteras 2016:
This year Dhanteras will be celebrated by all with great enthusiasm and joy on Friday, 28th of October.
Wishing you a very happy and prosperous Dhantrayodashi!
