Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, marks the first day of the Diwali festival, celebrated with great enthusiasm across India. Falling on the 13th lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Ashwin, Dhanteras is a day dedicated to wealth, health, and prosperity. The name combines “Dhan” (meaning wealth) and “Teras” (the 13th day), symbolizing the importance of wealth and fortune in life.
On this day, people worship Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda and health, and Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth. It is a popular tradition to purchase gold, silver, and other precious items, as this is believed to invite prosperity and ward off misfortune. Dhanteras also highlights the beginning of the Diwali celebrations, setting a positive and prosperous tone for the days that follow.
Here are some unique and lesser-known facts about Dhanteras:
- Dhanteras and Ayurveda: Dhanteras is also celebrated as the birth anniversary of Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda and medicine in Hindu mythology. People often buy health-related items or Ayurvedic products on this day to honor his legacy.
- Not Just Gold and Silver: Traditionally, Dhanteras is known for purchasing gold and silver, but in some regions, especially in the South, people buy kitchen utensils or steel vessels. The idea is that any new metal item symbolizes prosperity.
- First Day of Diwali Festivities: Dhanteras is the first day of the five-day Diwali celebration. It sets the tone for the festival of lights, symbolizing the beginning of prosperity, wealth, and well-being.
- Yamadeep Daan: On Dhanteras, it’s customary to light a lamp outside the home to appease Lord Yama, the god of death, as a protective ritual. This act, called “Yamadeep Daan,” is believed to ward off untimely death.
- The Legend of King Hima: There’s a story of a 16-year-old prince named Hima whose horoscope predicted he would die by a snake bite on the fourth day of his marriage. His wife lit lamps and arranged her jewelry and coins to distract and dazzle Yama, who, disguised as a snake, couldn’t enter their home.
- Celebration for Business Community: For the business community, especially in North India, Dhanteras marks the beginning of the new financial year. Ledgers and accounts are balanced, and blessings for a prosperous new fiscal year are sought.
- Dhanteras Pujan at Different Times: Unlike many festivals, Dhanteras puja can be done at different times across regions, but it’s typically celebrated during “Pradosh Kaal” (after sunset) for auspiciousness.
- Buying Broomsticks: In some places, people buy brooms on Dhanteras. This is believed to symbolize sweeping away poverty and bad luck from the house.
- Dhanteras in Jainism: Jains also celebrate Dhanteras as it commemorates the attainment of Nirvana by Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, who attained moksha on the day of Diwali.
- Future Purchases Allowed: If someone cannot buy something on the actual day of Dhanteras, they can purchase it the next day, and it’s considered equally auspicious. This flexibility is not common in other festivals.
Dhanteras isn’t just about wealth; it intertwines health, protection, prosperity, and cultural beliefs that add layers to its significance beyond material purchase.
