Dhanteras 2024: The Festival of Prosperity and Health

Dhanteras, also known as “Dhantrayodashi,” is a significant festival in Indian culture. Celebrated two days before Diwali, it marks a time for prayers for prosperity, wealth, and health. In 2024, Dhanteras falls on October 28. On this auspicious day, people worship Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi to welcome happiness and prosperity into their lives.

Significance of Dhanteras

The word “Dhanteras” is derived from “Dhan” (wealth) and “Teras” (thirteenth), referring to the thirteenth day of the lunar month before Diwali. On this day, people traditionally purchase new items, especially silver, gold, and utensils, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune.

Dhanteras is also celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda. It is believed that Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) holding a pot of nectar. Hence, prayers on this day are dedicated to health and longevity.

Dhanteras Puja Procedure

The Dhanteras puja is simple yet must be performed with devotion and reverence. Here are the steps for the puja:

1. Cleaning the Home: Before Dhanteras, thoroughly clean the house to invite positive energy and eliminate negativity.
2. Decorating the Puja Space: Create a rangoli and light diyas to decorate the puja area, symbolizing the welcoming of Goddess Lakshmi.
3. Setting Up the Deities: Place idols of Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi at the puja site as a central part of the ceremony.
4. Offering Incense and Flowers: Offer incense, lamps, and flowers to the deities, along with rice, kumkum, and water.
5. Prasad Offering: Prepare sweets, fruits, and other items as prasad and offer them during the puja. Some people also use fresh fruits for the offering.
6. Aarti: Conclude the puja with the aarti of Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi. Distribute prasad among family members.
7. Purchasing New Items: After the puja, it is considered auspicious to purchase new items like gold, silver, or utensils, symbolizing prosperity.

What to Buy on Dhanteras

On Dhanteras, buying gold, silver, utensils, or new items is considered auspicious. These purchases are believed to bring prosperity and happiness. Many people also buy silver utensils or idols of Goddess Lakshmi as part of the tradition.

Environmental Awareness

While celebrating Dhanteras, be mindful of the environment. Maintain cleanliness around you and use eco-friendly materials for the puja. By doing so, you can honor the traditions while also contributing to environmental preservation.

Celebrate Dhanteras with devotion and joy, welcoming prosperity, health, and happiness into your life!