Dhanteras Festival of Wealth – From Puja Vidhi to Auspicious Timings!
Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, is a major Hindu festival that marks the beginning of the five-day long Diwali celebrations in most parts of India. Falling on the thirteenth lunar day (Trayodashi) of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in the Hindu calendar month of Ashvin or Kartika, Dhanteras is a day dedicated to wealth, health, and prosperity.
In 2024, Dhanteras will be celebrated on Tuesday, 29 October. This auspicious occasion is not just about worshiping deities but also about the symbolic purchase of precious items like gold, silver, and utensils, as it is believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
What is Dhanteras?
Dhanteras is derived from two Sanskrit words – “Dhan” meaning wealth and “Teras” meaning the thirteenth day. Hence, Dhanteras is known as the festival of wealth that is observed on the 13th day of the dark lunar fortnight. It marks the first day of Diwali celebrations and is considered highly auspicious for making new purchases, especially items made of metals such as gold, silver, and brass.
On this day, people clean and decorate their homes and workplaces, light diyas (oil lamps), and prepare for the grand Diwali festivities. The highlight of Dhanteras is the worship of Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda and health, and Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Lord Kubera, the god of wealth, is also worshipped on this day for prosperity and success in business.
Why is Dhanteras Celebrated?
The festival of Dhanteras holds immense cultural and mythological significance. One of the key reasons for celebrating Dhanteras is to honor Lord Dhanvantari, who is believed to have emerged from the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) with a pot of Amrit (the nectar of immortality) on this day. As the divine physician, Lord Dhanvantari represents health and well-being, making Dhanteras a day to pray for both material and physical prosperity.
Another legend behind Dhanteras is the story of King Hima’s son. According to an ancient tale, it was predicted that the prince would die on the fourth day of his marriage due to a snake bite. To prevent this, his wife placed piles of gold, silver, and lit lamps around him, and she stayed up all night telling stories and singing songs. When Yama, the god of death, arrived in the form of a serpent, he was dazzled by the brightness and mesmerized by her songs, which delayed his approach. Eventually, he left without harming the prince. This story symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and life over death, which is why Dhanteras is associated with purchasing metal items and lighting diyas to ward off negative energy and bring good fortune.
Dhanteras Kab Hai (Dhanteras Muhurat)
In 2024, Dhanteras falls on Tuesday, 29 October. The auspicious timing (muhurat) for performing Dhanteras puja is crucial to ensure that the rituals are carried out at the right time to maximize blessings and good fortune. The Dhanteras muhurat usually falls in the evening hours, after sunset, when people worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Dhanvantari, and Lord Kubera.
This year, the Dhanteras puja muhurat is expected to be from 5:48 PM to 6:59 PM (Indian Standard Time). It is important to check the exact muhurat for your specific location, as the timings may vary slightly depending on the city.
What is the Timing of Dhanteras?
The timing of Dhanteras, or the Dhanteras muhurat, holds great significance because it determines when to perform the puja and make purchases. On Dhanteras, people are encouraged to buy gold, silver, brass utensils, and other valuable items during the auspicious muhurat to invite prosperity into their homes.
For 2024, the Dhanteras puja should be performed between 5:48 PM and 6:59 PM. However, this is a general time for the puja, and it is advisable to consult a local panchang or Hindu calendar to confirm the exact muhurat for your region.
It is also customary to light diyas and place them at the entrance of your home to ward off negative energy and attract good fortune. Many people choose to decorate their homes with rangoli and flowers, enhancing the festive spirit.
Dhanteras Puja Vidhi (How to Perform Dhanteras Puja)
The puja performed on Dhanteras is done with the intention of welcoming prosperity, health, and happiness into the household. Here is a step-by-step guide to performing the Dhanteras puja:
- Clean and Decorate the Home:
On the day of Dhanteras, people clean their homes thoroughly, as it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi blesses clean and welcoming homes. After cleaning, homes are decorated with colorful rangoli, flowers, and diyas. - Set Up the Puja Altar:
The puja area should be set up with idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, Lord Dhanvantari, and Lord Kubera. Place a small kalash (water pot) filled with water and cover it with mango leaves. You can also place coins, gold, or silver items on the altar. - Offer Prayers and Perform Aarti:
Begin the puja by lighting a diya and incense sticks. Offer fresh flowers, sweets, and fruits to the deities. Chant the Dhanteras puja mantra or Lakshmi mantras to invoke blessings. Then, perform an aarti (prayer ceremony) with the entire family, singing hymns in praise of the deities. - Worship Lord Dhanvantari and Lord Kubera:
As part of the Dhanteras puja vidhi, worship Lord Dhanvantari for health and well-being, and offer prayers to Lord Kubera for wealth and prosperity. This practice is believed to ensure both material and physical abundance in the household. - Purchasing New Items:
It is a tradition on Dhanteras to purchase gold, silver, or new utensils. People believe that buying precious metals or items made of metal on Dhanteras will bring good luck and wealth to the family. - Lighting Diyas:
In the evening, light diyas at the entrance of your home, in the temple, and in every corner of your house. This is believed to welcome prosperity and positive energy while driving away negative influences.
By following these steps, you can ensure a prosperous and blessed Dhanteras for yourself and your family.
Dhanteras Wishes: Share the Spirit of Prosperity
On Dhanteras, people exchange wishes and greetings with friends and family to celebrate the festival of wealth and health. Here are a few meaningful Dhanteras wishes you can share with your loved ones:
- “May this Dhanteras bring you new beginnings, good fortune, and endless happiness. Wishing you a prosperous and blessed Dhanteras 2024!”
- “On this auspicious day of Dhanteras, may Lord Dhanvantari bless you with good health, wealth, and happiness. Have a joyous Dhanteras!”
- “May Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera bless your home with abundance and prosperity this Dhanteras. Wishing you success and joy always.”
- “May the light of diyas and the blessings of Dhanteras fill your life with success, good health, and happiness. Happy Dhanteras 2024!”
- “Let’s welcome health, wealth, and prosperity into our homes this Dhanteras. Wishing you a bright and prosperous Dhanteras and a happy Diwali ahead!”
Disclaimer: This article is written by AI and has been manually checked by humans for accuracy and authenticity. The information provided is based on genuine research from traditional sources and verified references.
FAQs on Dhanteras
Q1. What is Dhanteras?
Dhanteras is the first day of Diwali celebrations, dedicated to wealth and prosperity. It is observed on the thirteenth day (Trayodashi) of the Krishna Paksha in the Hindu calendar month of Kartika.
Q2. Why is Dhanteras celebrated?
Dhanteras is celebrated to honor Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health, and Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. It is also a day to purchase precious items, as doing so is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity.
Q3. When is Dhanteras in 2024?
Dhanteras in 2024 falls on Tuesday, 29 October.
Q4. What is the Dhanteras puja muhurat?
The Dhanteras puja muhurat in 2024 is from 5:48 PM to 6:59 PM (IST), though the timings may vary slightly depending on the location.
Q5. What are the main rituals of Dhanteras?
The main rituals of Dhanteras include cleaning and decorating the home, performing the Dhanteras puja, offering prayers to Lord Dhan
