Dhanteras, the first day of the five-day Diwali celebration, holds great importance in Indian culture. Also known as Dhantrayodashi, this auspicious day falls on the 13th lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Ashwin. The name “Dhanteras” combines “Dhan,” meaning wealth, and “Teras,” the thirteenth day, representing prosperity and well-being.
On Dhanteras, people prepare by thoroughly cleaning and decorating their homes. It is customary to purchase gold, silver, or new utensils as these items symbolize wealth and are believed to attract good fortune. Many worship Lord Dhanvantari, the deity of Ayurveda and health, and offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity.
In the evening, oil-lit diyas brighten homes, and rangolis adorn entrances to invite auspicious energies. Families gather to perform pujas, exchange gifts, and celebrate a time of abundance and health.
Folklore and Stories of Dhanteras
The festival has deep-rooted stories linked to it. One well-known tale involves King Hima’s son, whose fate predicted death on his wedding day. His bride, aiming to protect him, kept their house filled with lamps and glittering gold to distract Lord Yama, the god of death. The dazzling display prevented Yama from claiming her husband’s soul. Another story relates to Lord Dhanvantari, who emerged during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), bringing Ayurveda and the knowledge of health and well-being.
Key Details for Dhanteras 2024
Date: October 29, 2024
Puja Timing: 6:57 PM to 8:21 PM (Pradosh Kaal is from 5:55 PM to 8:21 PM)
Rituals and Puja Vidhi for Dhanteras
The Dhanteras puja symbolizes the wish for health and prosperity. After cleaning the home, devotees set up a small altar in a clean area, usually facing east or northeast, where they place idols of Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi. New purchases, such as gold or silver, are also placed on the altar. Diyas lit with sesame or mustard oil are offered, and flowers, incense, and kumkum are used in worship.
A common mantra to invoke wealth and prosperity is:
“ॐ ह्रीं श्रीं क्रीं श्रीं कुबेराय अष्ट-लक्ष्मी मम गृहे धनं पुरय पुरय नमः॥”
After the puja, a diya is placed at the entrance and near the tulsi plant for protection, and sweets are shared as prasad.
City-Specific Shubh Muhurat for Buying Gold on Dhanteras
Pune: 7:01 PM to 8:33 PM
New Delhi: 6:31 PM to 8:13 PM
Mumbai: 7:04 PM to 8:37 PM
Kolkata: 5:57 PM to 7:33 PM
Dhanteras Do’s and Don’ts
Clean the home thoroughly and decorate with diyas and rangolis to welcome positive energy.
Avoid purchasing sharp objects or items made of iron or glass.
Do not lend or borrow money, and refrain from using harsh words or engaging in arguments.
Maintain a vegetarian diet, abstaining from alcohol for spiritual purity.
Keep spaces well-lit and free of clutter for an environment that fosters good fortune.
Dhanteras is a festival of blessings, symbolizing wealth, health, and harmony. Celebrating with devotion and respect helps to invoke positive energy and prosperity for the year ahead.
