Dhanteras, also known as Dhan Trayodashi, is the first day of Diwali festivities, which is a five-day festival, and it falls on the thirteenth day of the lunar month of Kartik. In 2024, Dhanteras will be celebrated on November 2nd (instead of October 29th). This auspicious day is dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, the God of Ayurveda and health, and is associated with wealth and prosperity, making it an essential part of the Diwali celebrations.
Dhanteras 2024 Date and Time
Trayodashi Tithi
Starts on October 29, 2024, at 12:01 AM
Ends on October 30, 2024, at 02:45 AM
Pradosh Kaal
October 29, 2024 From 06:37 PM to 09:16 PM
Virshabha Kaal
October 29, 2024 From 07:27 PM to 09:19 PM
Significance of Dhanteras
The term "Dhanteras" combines two words: "Dhan," meaning wealth, and "Teras," referring to the thirteenth day. It is believed that on this day, Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the ocean of milk with a pot of nectar, symbolizing health and wellness. People worship Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, to seek blessings for prosperity and good health in their lives.
Dhanteras also emphasizes the importance of wealth investment. It is considered auspicious to buy gold, silver, or new utensils on this day, as these purchases are believed to bring good fortune and prosperity into one’s home. During Dhanteras, people buy gold jewelry or coins as an investment, a symbol of good fortune, or to honor traditional customs. The significance of purchasing gold on this occasion is tied to several meaningful reasons.
Preparation for the Puja
- Clean the House:
On Dhanteras, the home is thoroughly cleaned to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. Ensure that the space where the puja will be conducted is neat and tidy.
- Set up the Puja Area:
Create a small altar by placing a clean cloth (preferably red or yellow) on a table. Place idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Dhanvantari, and Lord Ganesha (who is worshiped before any puja) on the altar.
- Decorate with Rangoli:
Draw a colorful rangoli at the entrance of your home or near the puja area to invite positive energy and prosperity.
- Light Diyas (Lamps):
Place oil lamps or diyas around the house, especially near the entrance, and light them before starting the puja. This symbolizes the victory of light over darkness.
Puja Materials (Samagri)
- Idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Dhanvantari, and Lord Ganesha
- Flowers (marigold or lotus)
- Oil lamps (diyas) or candles
- Incense sticks and camphor
- Kumkum, Haldi (turmeric), and Chandan (sandalwood paste)
- Rice grains, betel leaves, and betel nuts
- Gold or silver coins, if available
- New utensils (if purchased on Dhanteras)
- Sweets or any prasad
- Water in a kalash (vessel) with mango leaves and coconut
3. The Puja Procedure
- Ganesha Puja: Start the puja by worshiping Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles. Offer flowers, sandalwood paste, and light incense before his idol.
- Invoke Lord Dhanvantari: Next, offer prayers to Lord Dhanvantari, who is associated with health and healing. Place his idol or image on the altar, offer flowers, turmeric, and incense sticks. Pray for good health and well-being for yourself and your family.
- Lakshmi Puja:
- Place Goddess Lakshmi’s idol or image in the center. Offer kumkum, haldi, and flowers to the goddess.
- Light the diyas and incense sticks and place them near her idol.
- Chant Lakshmi Mantras or recite the Lakshmi Chalisa to invoke her blessings for wealth and prosperity.
- Offer gold or silver coins (if you have any) to Goddess Lakshmi, symbolizing the hope for future wealth.
- Offer sweets, fruits, and coconut as prasad.
- Utensil Worship: If you purchased new utensils or gold/silver items, place them in the puja area. Offer flowers and sprinkle them with water to purify them.
- Aarti: After completing the offerings, perform an aarti by waving a lighted camphor or diya in a circular motion before the idols. Sing the traditional aarti song while performing this ritual.
4. Concluding the Puja
- Distribute the prasad (sweets) to all family members.
- Place diyas near the entrance and throughout the house, as the light is believed to invite Goddess Lakshmi into the home.
Wishing you a joyous and prosperous Dhanteras!
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