Dhanteras 2024: A Festival of Prosperity and Illumination

Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival, India's "festival of lights." This auspicious occasion falls on the thirteenth day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashwin, typically in October or November.
The word "Dhanteras" is derived from the Sanskrit words "dhan," meaning wealth, and "teras," meaning the thirteenth. The festival is celebrated to invite prosperity and good fortune into homes.
Legends and Traditions

Dhanvantari, the Lord of Ayurveda, is believed to have emerged from the ocean of milk on this day, bringing with him the knowledge of medicine and healing.

Lakshmi and Kuber, the god and goddess of wealth, are worshiped on Dhanteras to seek their blessings for prosperity and financial growth.

It is a common tradition to purchase gold or silver jewelry, utensils, and idols on Dhanteras as a symbol of prosperity.

Diyas, or earthen lamps, are lit to bring light into homes and ward off evil spirits.
Rituals and Customs
The main rituals of Dhanteras include:

Cleaning the house and discarding old items to make space for new wealth.

Performing Lakshmi Puja to seek the blessings of the goddess of wealth.

Buying gold or silver as a symbolic investment in prosperity.

Buying new utensils and cookware to fill the home with abundance.

Lighting diyas and keeping them burning throughout the night to dispel darkness.
Significance in Modern Times
While the traditions of Dhanteras have evolved over time, the significance of prosperity and well-being remains. In modern times, Dhanteras is celebrated as a symbol of:

Financial success and stability

Growth and new beginnings

Purification and the discarding of negativity

The triumph of good over evil
Dhanteras 2024 is an auspicious occasion to celebrate with joy, gratitude, and the hope for a prosperous future. May this festival bring light into your homes and hearts and fill your life with wealth and abundance.