This year, Dhanteras falls on Tuesday, 17 October 2017. On this day, the first light of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is lighted, ringing in the festive mood and hope of health, wealth, peace, and prosperity.
Dhanteras is celebrated two days before Diwali that is the 13th lunar day of the Krishna paksh in the month of Kartik which is devoted to goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
How is Dhanteras celebrated?
On Dhanteras , goddess Lakshmi is worshipped along with Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha becomes the part of the prayers because every auspicious celebration is incomplete without worshipping the elephant-headed god in Hindu mythology. Lord Kuber, the bestower of wealth, is also worshipped on this day.
People clean and decorate their houses and business premises with lighted diyas, candles, flowers and rangoli. More emphasis is given to decorate the entrance gates with beautiful door hangings to welcome the goddess. Small footprints of Maa Lakshmi going into one’s house are drawn. The footprint stickers are also available in the market.
Dhanteras: Customs and beliefs
The Hindu ritual and customary practice is to buy some metallic goods on this day, according to one’s affordability. Most people buy steel utensils to gold coins, silver coins, jewellery and other trendy metallic things to gratify goddess Lakshmi. The aim behind purchasing new metal products is to invite the goddess to the house. It is believed that she will continue visiting homes the whole year like on the day of Dhanteras. Hindu priests take out special time — shubh muhurat — to offer prayers and rituals on this auspicious day.
It is believed that long ago gods and demon stirred the ocean to take out ‘Amrit’. After few days, Lord Vishnu came out on the day of Dhanteras with a container of the elixir. This belief may be a myth but everybody celebrates this lucky day with great excitement.
In the evening, the first diyas of Diwali are lighted and Lakshmi poojan is carried out. Delicious sweets are offered to goddess Lakshmi. Some people even keep fast for the full day to please the goddess. They break their fast in the evening after the pooja.
The observance of the festival is said to drive out all negativity and sufferings from the house and bring in hope and happiness.
Happy Dhanteras. May goddess Lakshmi shower possessions of health fortune and happiness on all.