Chandigarh, 24 October, 2024: Dhanteras, the first day of Diwali celebrations, is set to be observed on October 29, 2024, falling on a Tuesday this year. Known as an auspicious day, it is marked by rituals of buying gold, silver, utensils, and even electronics, all intended to invite Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, along with Lord Kubera, the god of wealth, into homes. This tradition stems from the belief that major purchases made on Dhanteras bring good fortune in financial matters.
At its core, Dhanteras represents the fusion of health, wealth, and prosperity through the worship of key Hindu deities: Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda, who is believed to bestow health and well-being, and Goddess Lakshmi, revered for ushering in prosperity. “‘Dhan’ means wealth and ‘Teras’ refers to the 13th day of the Krishna Paksha, making this day a powerful combination of spiritual and material significance,” says religious scholar, Dr. Anjali Kumar.
The festival is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. One central legend recounts the Samudra Manthan or churning of the ocean, when gods and demons sought the ‘amrit’ (nectar of immortality). From this cosmic event, Lord Dhanvantari emerged holding a pot of amrit, symbolizing health and healing. Alongside him, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera also arose, representing wealth and fortune. Their appearance is celebrated on Dhanteras as a time to honor the importance of health, prosperity, and spiritual balance.
Another story associated with Dhanteras involves the young prince, the son of King Hima, whose horoscope foretold death by snakebite on the fourth day of his marriage. To thwart this fate, his wife devised a clever plan: she created a glowing barricade of gold and silver coins at the entrance of their bedroom and lit oil lamps all around.
“The brilliance of the lamps and the wealth on display blinded Yama, the god of death, who arrived disguised as a snake,” explains cultural historian Aruna Devi. Distracted by the dazzling sight, Yama was enchanted by the songs and stories sung by the bride throughout the night. He sat atop the coin heap, listening until dawn broke, sparing the prince’s life and leaving quietly at sunrise.
This tale symbolizes not only protection from untimely death but also the power of light and wealth in fending off negative forces. For many, the glowing lamps on Dhanteras embody the illumination of minds and souls, a practice that leads into the broader Diwali festival of lights.
Dhanteras also sets the tone for Diwali’s grand festivities, marking the beginning of a five-day celebration of new beginnings, investments, and hope. As families prepare by cleaning and purifying their homes, the festival emphasizes the renewal of both physical and spiritual spaces. “Dhanteras is about more than material wealth—it’s about creating an environment of peace and prosperity for the year to come,” adds Devi.
The day also holds significance for businesses, as it is considered an ideal time for investments and purchasing high-value items like jewellery or property. By honoring wealth through the deities Lakshmi and Kubera, individuals seek blessings for financial growth and security in the coming year.
As the celebration of Dhanteras approaches, millions will take part in these rituals, welcoming health, wealth, and happiness into their lives, setting the stage for the brighter days of Diwali.
