As the festive season approaches, the air is filled with joy and excitement. One of the most eagerly awaited festivals in India is Dhanteras, which marks the beginning of the Diwali celebrations. Celebrated on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik, Dhanteras holds immense significance for people across the country.
Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, is a combination of two words – ‘Dhan’ meaning wealth and ‘Teras’ meaning thirteenth. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity, visits every home and blesses them with abundance and good fortune.
The celebration of Dhanteras is deeply rooted in ancient Hindu mythology. According to legend, there was a king named Hima who had a son. As per his horoscope, the son was destined to die on the fourth day of his marriage due to the influence of a snake bite. On the fateful day, the prince’s newlywed wife decided to prevent his untimely death. She cleverly laid out all her gold and silver ornaments, as well as precious stones, in a heap at the entrance of their chamber. To ward off evil spirits and snakes, she lit numerous lamps and kept the prince awake by telling him stories and singing songs.
When Yama, the god of death, arrived disguised as a serpent to claim the prince’s life, he was dazzled by the brilliance of the lights and the glittering ornaments. Mesmerized by the sight, Yama forgot his mission and sat down to listen to the melodious songs. As the night passed, Yama’s time to claim the prince’s life ended, and he had to leave empty-handed. From that day onwards, it became a tradition to light lamps and candles, and buy new utensils, gold, and silver jewelry on Dhanteras to bring prosperity and drive away darkness.
Today, Dhanteras is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over India. People clean and decorate their homes, and markets are adorned with an array of beautiful items for sale. It is considered highly auspicious to buy gold, silver, and other precious metals on this day, as it is believed to bring good luck and prosperity throughout the year.
On Dhanteras, families come together to perform puja (prayers) in honor of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera, the treasurer of the gods. They light diyas (oil lamps) and offer flowers, sweets, and fruits to seek the blessings of the deities. The sound of firecrackers fills the air, adding to the festive spirit.
Dhanteras is not only a time for worship and celebration but also an occasion for families to bond and create lasting memories. It is a day to express gratitude for the wealth and abundance in our lives and to share our blessings with others.
Team at International Khabar wishes to all Indians “HAPPY DHANTERAS“.
