Dhanteras marks the beginning of the grand 5-day Diwali festival, bringing with it rituals steeped in tradition, devotion, and joy. This year, Dhanteras falls on October 29, 2024, marking the auspicious beginning of the Diwali festivities.This sacred day invites devotees to honor Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, and Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health, with rituals that bring prosperity, abundance, and well-being. Homes are meticulously cleaned, adorned with beautiful rangolis, and illuminated with diyas to welcome divine blessings.
Traditionally, people celebrate by buying gold, silver, and new household items, symbolizing fortune and protection for the year ahead. As Dhanteras approaches, devotees prepare to embrace this day of devotion, renewal, and joy. On this auspicious day, people clean and decorate their homes, purchase gold, silver, and new utensils, and perform special pujas to invite wealth, health, and prosperity into their lives. Devotees honor Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, and Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician, through prayers, diya lighting, and mantras intended to bring good fortune and well-being.
Dhanteras 2024: Significance and Rituals
Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, falls on the Trayodashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the Kartik month. The day is celebrated with immense devotion, with families coming together to perform traditional rituals and customs. The spirit of the festival is one of abundance and gratitude, with people buying new items, especially gold and silver, which are seen as symbols of prosperity and protection. Homes are adorned with vibrant rangolis and diyas to welcome the deities and create a joyful, sacred atmosphere.
Shubh Muhurat for Dhanteras Puja and Purchases
To maximize the auspicious energy of the day, specific shubh muhurat timings are observed for performing the Dhanteras Puja and making significant purchases. These timings may vary based on your location, so it’s recommended to consult a local panchang or Hindu calendar to get the city-specific muhurat. Generally, the best time for Dhanteras Puja falls in the evening hours.
Dhanteras Puja Vidhi (Procedure)
Clean and Decorate: Clean your home, especially the entrance, and decorate it with fresh rangolis and diyas to invite positive energy.
Set Up the Altar: Place idols or images of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari on a clean altar, adorned with flowers and decorative items.
Offer Prayers: Begin with an invocation, offering flowers, sweets, and incense to the deities.
Chant Mantras: Recite mantras dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari for health, wealth, and prosperity. Here’s a mantra for each:
For Goddess Lakshmi:
“Om Shreem Hreem Shree Mahalaxmiyey Namah”
This mantra is believed to bring prosperity and financial well-being.
For Lord Dhanvantari:
“Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye Amritakalasha Hastaya Sarva Bhayavinashaya Sarva Roga Nivaranaya Trai Lokya Pathaye Trai Lokya Nithaye Sri Maha Vishnu Swarupaya Sri Dhanvantri Swarupaya Sri Sri Sri Aushadhachakra Narayanaya Namah”
This is chanted for health and healing.
Light Diyas: In the evening, light diyas around your home and at the entrance to ward off negative energies and welcome prosperity.
Auspicious Items to Buy on Dhanteras
Purchasing certain items on Dhanteras is believed to bring good fortune:
Gold and Silver: Buying gold or silver is highly auspicious, symbolizing lasting wealth and protection from misfortune.
Utensils: New utensils, especially metal ones, are seen as symbols of abundance and are commonly bought on this day.
Home Items: People also buy household items and decor to bring positive energy and fresh beginnings.
Dhanteras is a day of devotion, celebration, and new beginnings. May the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari bring you prosperity, health, and happiness.
