Dhanteras is a famous festival known as ‘Dhanatrayodash’, and Hindus primarily celebrate it. On this festive day, Numerous people purchase utensils and jewellery to bring good luck to their homes.
- Meaning Of Dhanteras
The word Dhanteras is derived from ‘Dhan’, which means money, and ‘Teras’ means thirteen. This festival usually comes 1-2 days before Diwali. This year Dhanteras will be celebrated on November 2nd.
Just like many festivals of India, this day is also linked to Hindu mythology.
- Story Behind Dhanteras
Lord Yamaraja is worshipped on the day of Dhanteras. It is believed that an astrologer predicted that the son of King Hima would die on the fourth day of his marriage after getting bitten by a snake. However, as his wife was scared of losing him on the 4th day of his wedding, his wife ensured that her husband didn’t sleep, so she decided to turn fate around and narrate stories to keep him awake.
She took out all of her ornaments and saved coins at the entrance in a stack to keep the snake away. When the God of Death ‘Yamaraja’ came in a snake, he got blind after seeing all the dazzling Jewellery and coins. This way, the venomous snake was unable to enter the prince’s chamber. It also got attracted to the wife’s stories and songs. Therefore, he silently left the place and spared the life of the prince.
There is another exciting story where Lord Dhanvantari, the physician of the Gods and a form of Lord Vishnu, came out of an ocean believed to be swirled by the demons and gods on the day Dhanteras.
This festival is famously known as one of the most memorable days and one of the biggest festivals for Hindus. On this day, People worship Lord Yamaraja, known as the God of Death, in the night to seek his blessings. Moreover, before the festival of Diwali, people clean their houses nicely and decorate their homes with lights and diyas to keep the evil forces and devil’s negative energy away.
On this night, several lights are set out night both in the sky lamps and lanterns. In addition, small little lighting lamps and diyas are placed at the Tulsi plant’s base and the homes’ doorsteps. These lights are an offering to Yama, the Host of Death, to prevent untimely death during the time of the Diwali festival.
This day is a celebration which is aimed at increasing wealth and prosperity.
What to buy on Dhanteras?
You can buy utensils, Jewellery or gold and silver coins with the image of Goddess Lakshmi imprinted on them.
Food that brings luck on Dhanteras:
Boondi Laddoo, which is made from chickpea flour in the form of a crispy sphere, is known as the favourite sweet of Lord Ganesha. It is an essential sweet which is on the top of the offering list during Dhanteras. Rice pudding made of jaggery, milk, and rice is also a crucial sweet dish that should be served on the day of Dhanteras pooja.
