Welcome lady luck goddess Lakshmi to your home this Dhanteras for good fortune. Know what to do and what to avoid.

Dhanteras is the Hindu festival that marks the beginning of the five-day long Diwali celebrations. Celebrated two days before Diwali, it falls on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha. The day is all about wealth not just for self but for your dear ones and peaceful existence of the human race. Each ritual that is followed has a significance.

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The five-day Diwali festival that kick starts on Tuesday with Dhanteras is marked by praying to goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha and the purchase of goods made of metal. Depending on your budget, use this occasion to buy jewellery, gold or silver coins or household items made of copper, bronze or brass. The main emphasis is placed on buying something of metal. Hindus believe that metal is the harbinger of good luck and is supposed to keep negative energy at bay.

The celebration of Dhanteras is marked by happiness and excitement. Preparations for the festival begin well in advance. The celebration starts by evening. Everyone gets ready and gathers for the worship of the deities Ganesha and Lakshmi.

Dhanteras 2017: History and significance

Like all other festivals, Dhanteras has its own significant history behind it. As per the Hindu Holy Scriptures, during the cosmic battle, gods and demons both churned the Kshira ocean to gain the divine nectar of immortality. God Dhanvantri (God of Ayurveda) emerged out of the water with the pot of elixir in his hands. Thus this day has been named as Dhanteras because of the physician of God – Dhanvantri.

The word ‘Dhan’ signifies money and wealth and ‘Teras’ means thirteenth day as per the Hindu calendar. On Dhanteras, Hindus consider it auspicious to purchase gold or silver articles or at least one or two new utensils. It is believed that new ‘Dhan’ or some form of precious metal is a sign of good luck – be it gold, silver, brass, copper, brass or bronze. Stay away from buying anything that has traces of iron or steel. Although aluminium is considered auspicious.

Here is the list of few must buy items on Dhanteras

One should bring home the following on Dhanteras as a symbol of fortune:

Gold and silver: In Hindu tradition, Dhanteras holds special importance for buying gold and silver to keep evil and death away. This day holds a great significance for the business community. People around the country worship ‘dhan’ and ‘goddess Lakshmi’ symbolised by gold and silver coins.

Metallic idols of lord Ganesha and goddess Lakshmi: Buying home a pair of Ganesha-Lakshmi is auspicious but only if it is bought for self and not for gifting purposes. Gifting it signifies that you are redirecting the God and Goddess away from your home.

Utensils: Buying utensils is considered very auspicious on Dhanteras. Fill it with water before bringing it home. Water is treated as lucky charm that will bring wealth and prosperity in your house. Bringing empty utensil is considered inauspicious.

Metallic bells: If you want to bring home health and long-life, metallic bell can provide a boon.

Metallic oil lamps: Bring home metallic oil lamps on Dhanteras. It will make you run your business successfully with tremendous growth and fruitful results.

Vehicle: While traditionally people buy gold, silver and utensils on this day, people even purchase vehicles as Dhanteras is considered to be a very favourable day to buy precious items as a sign of good luck. Drive your dream vehicle home safely this Dhanteras.

Property: Buy your own home or invest in real estate on this day as it is one of the most auspicious day for such kind of deals.

Light tons of diyas in every corner to ward off any evil spirits that may be lurking in your house.

Things to avoid on Dhanteras

Avoid donating money, clothes and food items to needy people as these things are considered to be ill-starred on this day.

This day must be avoided for shopping gifts for others.

Avoid wearing or bringing home anything that is black as black is the colour of Shani Dev.

Avoid buying oil or wood for your own use and giving them to anyone else, it is ill-fated.

Happy Dhanteras!