Dhanteras marks the beginning of the five-day-long Diwali puja. Dhanteras also called dhanwa Tari triodasi is the first day of the Diwali celebration that falls on the thirteenth day of the lunar cycle of Krishna paksha in the month of Kartik. Also known as dhantriodashi, people worship the goddess of wealth and prosperity, Goddess Laxmi for their well being. Hence, the day is of great importance to all sectors and communities of India.
When is Dhanteras 2023?
Dhabteras is the day, we worship goddess Laxmi and seek her blessings to prosper in life. Dhanteras will be held on 10th November, Friday in 2023. The thirteenth day of the waning lunar cycle in Kartik month is celebrated as Dhanteras, marking the beginning of the five days long Diwali festival. It has become a part of culture and rituals for people to buy or purchase something precious on this day to open that gates of fortune.
How is the day celebrated
Ti celebrates this day, offices and houses and other buildings are decorated and beautified. The entrances of offices and homes are decorated with colourful rangolis to welcome the goddess of prosperity and wealth, Laxmi. Some people even draw her footprints with rice flour and vermilion to signify her arrival into their houses which they so long have been waiting for. People buy Dhanteras gifts like jewelry, coins or metal utensils, etc. Houses and buildings are illuminated with clay lamps and artificial lights to signify the defeat of evil.
Traditions of Dhanteras
Dhanteras is considered to be an auspicious day for starting anything that will progress slowly. It’s a good day to start your business or projects. Again, this day is considered a good one to start renovations or construction works of office and homes. Laxmi Puja is performed during the Pradosh Kaal on the day of Dhanteras which lasts about 2 hours. During these two hours, generally, before sunset, Laxmi puja is performed. This puja is of utmost importance to the corporate sector to seek the blessings of goddess Laxmi and pray of fortune and prosperity. Some people fast on this day and end it after the Laxmi Puja gets over. Many people place a lamp at the entrance of their homes and offices. Thus ritual is called Yamadeepa. It is believed that this light protects the house from the god of death, Yamadev.
There are few things that one should never buy on Dhanteras as they are considered to bring misfortune. Never buy black coloured things, sharp objects or iron items, glass objects, oil or fake gold. If you wish to purchase a new car, don’t make transactions of this day. Don’t take loans from anyone or repay old debts.
People celebrate Dhanteras with pomp and gaiety. In the evening, all houses get illuminated as the Laxmi puja is being performed. Lamps are lighted to keep evil spirits away. Devotional songs and bhajans can be heard playing in temples and mandirs. Villagers decorate their cattle and worship them as they are considered to be sacred for farmers. In southern India, on this day, cows are worshipped as people consider them to be an incarnation of the Laxmi goddess.