Dhanteras

Dhanteras is an auspicious festival marking the beginning of Diwali. It is associated with wealth, health, and prosperity, making it a significant day for businesses, traders, and households. The festival is believed to bring luck and financial well-being, which is why buying gold, silver, and new items on this day is considered highly fortunate.

Also Known As: Dhanatrayodashi, Dhanvantari Trayodashi

Why It’s Celebrated & Its Significance:

1. Honoring Goddess Lakshmi: People believe Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, visits homes on Dhanteras, blessing them with prosperity.

2. Lord Dhanvantari & Ayurveda: The festival is dedicated to Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda, who emerged during Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) with the nectar of immortality (Amrit). Thus, it is also observed as National Ayurveda Day in India.

3. Kubera Puja: Lord Kubera, the god of wealth, is also worshipped to ensure financial growth.

4. Buying Gold, Silver & Utensils: People believe that purchasing metals on Dhanteras brings good fortune and prosperity.

How It’s Celebrated:

1. Shopping for Gold, Silver & New Items:

   • It is believed that buying gold, silver, or utensils on Dhanteras attracts wealth and prosperity.

   • Many people purchase jewelry, coins, electronic gadgets, and vehicles on this day.

2. Lakshmi, Dhanvantari & Kubera Puja:

   • Devotees perform Lakshmi Puja in the evening by lighting oil lamps (diyas) at their home entrance.

   • Lord Dhanvantari (associated with Ayurveda and medicine) and Kubera (god of wealth) are also worshipped.

3. Lighting of Lamps & Yama Deepam Ritual:

   • People light 13 oil lamps at the entrance of their homes and temples to ward off evil.

   • Yama Deepam is performed to protect the family from untimely death and negative energies.

4. Business & Account Book Worship (Chopda Puja):

   • In Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, business owners worship new account books (Chopda Puja) before Diwali, marking the beginning of the new financial year.

5. Celebration of Ayurveda:

   • Since Lord Dhanvantari is the father of Ayurveda, doctors and medical practitioners celebrate the day by conducting health camps and promoting Ayurveda practices.

Where It’s Celebrated in India:

• Nationwide: Dhanteras is observed throughout India, with businesses, traders, and families considering it a crucial part of Diwali celebrations.

• Prominent in:

  • North India (Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand) – Grand celebrations with Lakshmi Puja and Yama Deepam.

  • Western India (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa) – Business communities observe Chopda Puja and worship account books.

  • Southern & Eastern India (Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam) – People purchase gold, silver, and new items, and worship Lord Dhanvantari.

Other Events & Festivals Related to Dhanteras:

1. Diwali (Deepavali) – Dhanteras is the first day of Diwali and is followed by Narak Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali), Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj.

2. Yama Deepam – A ritual performed on Dhanteras night for protection from untimely death.

3. Chopda Puja – Observed in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, where business owners worship new account books.

4. National Ayurveda Day – In honor of Lord Dhanvantari, celebrated by Ayurveda practitioners.