Dhanteras: The First Day of Diwali Celebrations

Dhanteras is called Dhanatrayodashi; it is the first day of the Diwali festival in most parts of India. In the year 2024, it falls on October 29. The festival is primarily related to the traditions of Hindus, and it depicts wealth, health, and prosperity.

Importance and Observance

Dhanteras is a puja to Lord Dhanvantari, the deity of health and Ayurveda. He is known to have emerged from ocean churning (Samudra Manthana) carrying a pot of amrita (nectar of immortality) and sacred Ayurvedic texts.

• Lakshmi Puja: The evening of Dhanteras is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and wealth. Families offer sweets and light diyas (oil lamps) to invite her blessings into their homes.
• The houses are cleaned and decorated with rangoli designs of various colors before Dhanteras. Diyas are lit to ward off evil spirits, and rice flour is used to make small footprints that signify the arrival of Lakshmi.
• Shopping Tradition: Dhanteras is a good time to shop for new merchandise, gold, silver, and domestic goods. It has also been called bringing auspicious fortune to the premises. A large amount of cash is spent on this festival in hopes of ushering luck in.

Stories Related to Dhanteras

There is also an important story behind this festival of Dhanteras, that of a young prince who had an omen about being bitten by the snake on the fourth day of his marriage. The wife did not let him sleep by lighting lamps and displaying her jewelry at the entrance. Yama, being the god of death, in the disguise of a serpent, was dazzled by the glow and could not enter the chamber. Thus, the prince was saved, and this led to the celebration of Dhanteras as a day symbolizing protection against misfortune.

Why Is Dhanteras Considered An Auspicious Day For Buying Gold And Silver?

This day is believed to be a propitious day for purchasing gold and silver because of a variety of cultural and religious beliefs, which are quite deep-rooted in the Hindu traditions. Here are some of the key reasons why this day is considered especially important for such purchases:

• Association with Goddess Lakshmi: Dhanteras is the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, who is the goddess of wealth and prosperity. She was born from the churning of the ocean of milk (Samudra Manthana) during which she came out holding a pot full of gold. Buying gold is a way of inviting her into the house to attract wealth and lots of money.
• Symbol of Prosperity: In Indian culture, gold is a symbol of richness, security, and good luck. Dhanteras is considered as a day for buying gold as long as the money coming in in a family goes through out the year. Thus, there is an additional cultural sense behind buying gold as well where gold does not mean to be a property or commodity only, but something through which there is also an indication of positive energy or prosperity.
• Protection from Bad Omens: It is said to offer protective powers against evil spirits or negative energies. People bring gold on Dhanteras to save themselves from every possible bad omen that offers them a prosperous future too. Some folklores narrate this story as that of an emperor's prince whose widow saved him from death clutch by cleverly utilizing golden ornaments for his help to save him.
• Auspicious Timing: Dhanteras is considered the most auspicious day for all major purchases in Hindu. Items purchased on the day are believed to have a blessing from Goddess Lakshmi, which assures people of good luck and prosperity. Many think investments made on this day do not get affected financially during any downturn.
• Cultural Heritage: Buying gold on Dhanteras is a tradition that has been passed down through generations, thereby binding families to their cultural heritage. The tradition not only pays respect to the old customs but also unites families together in celebrating such occasions.
  

Dhanteras serves as a powerful reminder of the intertwined themes of health and prosperity in Hindu culture. By honoring deities and participating in time-honored traditions, families strengthen their bonds and invite abundance into their lives, making it a significant cornerstone in the Diwali celebration.