As the festive season of Diwali approaches, the Indian community gears up to celebrate Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, which marks the beginning of the five-day festivities. This year, Dhanteras falls on a vibrant note, promising prosperity and well-being. Here’s an insight into the date, time, rituals, and significance of this auspicious event.
Date and Time
Trayodashi Tithi Begins – November 10, 2023 – 12:35 PM
Trayodashi Tithi Ends – November 11, 2023 – 01:57 PM
Pradosh Kaal – November 10, 2023 – 05:09 PM to 07:42 PM
Vrishabha Kaal – November 10, 2023 – 05:27 PM to 07:27 PM
Dhanteras Puja Muhurat – November 10, 2023 – 05:27 PM to 07: 27 PM
Rituals of Dhanteras
The rituals of Dhanteras are steeped in the tradition of invoking prosperity and good fortune. On this day, it is customary for families to purchase metals, particularly gold, silver, and utensils, as it is believed that buying metal represents the welcoming of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, into one’s home. Many also invest in new business ventures or start new accounts on this day.
Homes and business establishments are thoroughly cleaned and decorated with rangoli designs, and diyas are lit all night to ward off evil spirits. In the evening, a special “Lakshmi Puja” is performed. Devotees sing devotional songs in praise of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber, the god of wealth, and offer homemade sweets, fruits, and delicacies as prasad.
Significance of Dhanteras
The festival of Dhanteras holds immense significance in Hindu culture. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Lakshmi came out of the ocean during the churning of the Milky Sea, carrying a pot of gold and wealth. Another legend speaks of the 16-year-old son of King Hima, whose horoscope predicted death by snakebite on the fourth day of his marriage. On that day, his newly-wed wife laid out all her ornaments and coins in a heap at the entrance of the sleeping chamber and lit lamps all around. She narrated stories and sang songs to keep her husband from falling asleep. When the God of Death, Yama, arrived in the guise of a serpent, his eyes were dazzled and blinded by the brilliance of the lamps and the jewelry. Yama could not enter the Prince’s chamber, so he climbed on top of the heap of gold and sat there the entire night listening to the stories and songs. In the morning, he quietly went away, sparing the prince’s life. Thus, Dhanteras is also celebrated to ward off any evil that might cause untimely death.
One Must Buy And Not Buy In Dhanteras
On Dhanteras, it is considered auspicious to purchase metal, with gold and silver being the most favored for their promise of lasting wealth and prosperity. However, it is traditionally advised to avoid buying iron or steel items on this day, as they are thought to represent Saturn and are associated with hardships, which could invite negative energy into the home.
Dhanteras is not just a festival of wealth and prosperity; it is a day that marks the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. As people light diyas and offer prayers, the true spirit of Dhanteras shines through, bringing communities together in a celebration of hope and joy. It is a reminder that, in the end, faith and righteousness are the true treasures of life.
