Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, is a Hindu festival celebrated two days before Diwali. It falls on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Ashwin. The festival holds great significance for Hindus as it is believed to bring wealth and prosperity into their lives.
The word “Dhanteras” is derived from the Sanskrit words “dhan” which means wealth and “teras” which means thirteen. On this day, Hindus worship Lord Kubera, the God of wealth, and Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of prosperity, to seek blessings for a prosperous year ahead. It is believed that on this day, purchasing gold, silver, or utensils brings good luck and fortune into the household.
Dhanteras is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor across India. People clean their homes and decorate them with colorful rangoli designs and flowers. They light oil lamps and candles to illuminate their homes and create a festive atmosphere. In the evening, families gather for puja (prayers) and offer sweets, fruits, and flowers to the deities.
One of the traditions associated with Dhanteras is the practice of buying new items, especially gold or silver jewelry, coins, or utensils. It is believed that purchasing these items on Dhanteras brings good luck and prosperity. People also believe that buying new items on this day helps to ward off evil spirits and negative energies.
In addition to buying new items, many people also perform Lakshmi puja on Dhanteras. They offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and seek her blessings for wealth and prosperity. It is believed that performing this puja with devotion and sincerity can bring abundance and success into one’s life.
Another important aspect of Dhanteras is the tradition of lighting oil lamps and candles. It is believed that the light of these lamps drives away darkness and ignorance and symbolizes the victory of good over evil. People also believe that lighting lamps on Dhanteras brings happiness, peace, and prosperity into their lives.
Dhanteras is not just a day for buying new items and performing puja, but it is also a time for families to come together and celebrate. People exchange gifts and sweets with their loved ones and share the joy of the festival. It is a time to express gratitude for the blessings of wealth and prosperity in one’s life.
FAQs about Dhanteras:
Q: Why is Dhanteras celebrated?
A: Dhanteras is celebrated to seek the blessings of Lord Kubera and Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity. It is believed that buying new items on this day brings good luck and fortune.
Q: What should I buy on Dhanteras?
A: Traditionally, people buy gold, silver, or utensils on Dhanteras. It is believed that purchasing these items brings prosperity and abundance into the household.
Q: How is Dhanteras celebrated?
A: Dhanteras is celebrated by cleaning and decorating homes, lighting lamps, performing puja, and buying new items. Families gather for prayers and offer sweets, fruits, and flowers to the deities.
Q: What is the significance of lighting lamps on Dhanteras?
A: Lighting lamps on Dhanteras symbolizes the victory of good over evil and brings happiness, peace, and prosperity into one’s life. It is believed to drive away darkness and ignorance.
Q: Can non-Hindus celebrate Dhanteras?
A: Dhanteras is a Hindu festival, but people of all faiths are welcome to participate in the celebrations and seek blessings for wealth and prosperity.
In conclusion, Dhanteras is a day of wealth and fortune that holds great significance for Hindus. It is a time to seek the blessings of Lord Kubera and Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and abundance in one’s life. The festival is celebrated with enthusiasm and fervor across India, and people come together to perform puja, buy new items, and light lamps to usher in good luck and prosperity. Dhanteras is a time to express gratitude for the blessings of wealth and prosperity and to celebrate with loved ones.
