Dhanteras 2024, the first day of the five-day-long Diwali festival, is an auspicious occasion. People celebrate this with great fervor and enthusiasm across India and in Hindu communities worldwide. It marks the beginning of the grand festival of lights, symbolizing prosperity, good health, and well-being.
The word “Dhanteras” itself combines two Sanskrit words—‘Dhan’ meaning wealth, and ‘Teras,’ meaning the thirteenth day of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the Hindu month of Ashwin.
In 2024, Dhanteras will be observed on Friday, November 29th. Dhanteras symbolize prosperity and spirituality, encouraging the purchase of gold, and silver, and performing rituals for wealth and longevity.
History of Dhanteras:
The origins of Dhanteras have their roots in Hindu mythology, with several fascinating legends linked to the day.
The story of King Hima and his son is among the most well-known. According to the tale, King Hima’s son was fated to die by a snakebite on the fourth day of his marriage. To protect her husband, the prince’s wife devised a clever plan. She lit numerous oil lamps around the house, arranged her jewelry and gold coins in a heap near the door, and recited hymns to keep her husband awake through the night. When Yama, the god of death, arrived in the form of a snake, he was mesmerized by the glow of the lamps and the dazzling gold. Entranced by the brilliance, Yama stayed outside the house, unable to enter. By the time dawn broke, the prince’s life was spared, and Yama left quietly.
This story gave rise to the tradition of lighting diyas and buying gold on Dhanteras, symbolizing the warding off of evil and the triumph of light and prosperity over darkness.
Another legend associated with Dhanteras is the story of Dhanvantari, the Hindu god of medicine and Ayurveda, who emerged from the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan) holding a pot of Amrit (the nectar of immortality). Hence, Dhanteras is also as a day to honor the god of healing and good health, making it an ideal occasion to pray for well-being and seek blessings for a long, healthy life.
Significance of Dhanteras:
Dhanteras is much more than a prelude to Diwali—it is a day of immense spiritual and material significance. It represents the celebration of wealth and prosperity, but the deeper meaning goes beyond the acquisition of material goods. The day reminds people of the importance of health, family, and peace of mind—true wealth that money can’t buy.
1. Welcoming Prosperity-
On Dhanteras, people believe that buying new items such as gold, silver, or even kitchen utensils will bring prosperity and good fortune into their homes. The practice of making such purchases stems from the belief that Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, visits households and blesses them with abundance. Purchasing new items symbolizes inviting her divine blessings, ensuring a bountiful year ahead.
2. Health and Well-being-
Dhanteras is also a day to celebrate good health, paying homage to Dhanvantari, the god of medicine. Ayurvedic practitioners and medical professionals observe this day by performing rituals and seeking blessings to enhance their healing abilities. The theme of health as wealth underscores the idea that no material prosperity can be enjoyed without good health.
3. Spiritual Cleansing-
Dhanteras 2024 is a time for cleansing and purification—both of the home and the self. Homes are thoroughly cleaned and adorned with rangolis (colorful floor designs) to welcome the divine presence of Lakshmi. This act of cleanliness is not just about physical tidiness but also about creating a positive, sacred environment for the family. Spiritual cleansing through prayers, mantras, and meditation also allows people to focus on personal growth and mindfulness.
Rituals and Traditions of Dhanteras:
Dhanteras is celebrated with a host of traditions and customs, each of which adds to the joy and sanctity of the occasion. Let’s take a look at some of the most important rituals that people follow during Dhanteras:
1. Lakshmi Puja-
One of the central rituals of Dhanteras is the worship of Goddess Lakshmi. In the evening, people perform a traditional puja (prayer) to invoke the goddess’s blessings. During this ritual, a small idol of Lakshmi is placed on an altar, and offerings of flowers, sweets, and fruits are made. Diyas (oil lamps) are lit, and mantras praising the goddess are chanted to invite prosperity and happiness into the household.
2. Dhanvantari Puja-
Since Dhanteras is also associated with the god of medicine, Dhanvantari Puja is performed by many, particularly those in the medical field. Ayurvedic practitioners perform rituals to honor Dhanvantari, seeking blessings for healing knowledge and success in their practice. Offering herbs, fruits, and aarti (a prayer ceremony with light) to Dhanvantari is a way of invoking good health and longevity for family members.
3. Shopping for Precious Metals-
The tradition of buying gold, silver, and other valuable items on Dhanteras is widely followed. It is a belief that making such purchases on this day enhances wealth and prosperity in the year ahead. Many people buy kitchen utensils and household items, considering them auspicious purchases that invite abundance and happiness into the home. Retailers often offer special discounts, making Dhanteras an ideal time for large-scale purchases.
4. Lighting Diyas-
Lighting diyas (oil lamps) is one of the most significant rituals of Dhanteras. Families light ghee-filled clay lamps in the evening, placing them at entrances and pathways to welcome prosperity and light. This is a symbolic act meant to welcome Goddess Lakshmi into the household and to ward off evil spirits. The light from the diyas represents knowledge, purity, and divine energy.
5. Rangoli-
Creating colorful rangolis is another important tradition during Dhanteras. People make intricate designs with colored powders, flowers, and rice flour at the entrance of their homes. These artistic patterns attract positive energy and bring luck. Rangoli making is often a collaborative family activity, bringing everyone together in preparation for the celebrations.
Conclusion:
Dhanteras 2024 promises to be a day of reflection, celebration, and renewal. As we clean our homes and hearts, we invite divine blessings of prosperity and health. The festival reminds us of the importance of wealth in all its forms—financial, emotional, and spiritual—and how it enhances our lives. By embracing the rituals and traditions, we not only celebrate the start of Diwali but also welcome the virtues of gratitude, abundance, and joy into our lives.
May this Dhanteras bring you an abundance of happiness, wealth, and good health!