Dhanteras, also referred to as Dhantrayodashi, marks the first day of the five-day Diwali festival. It usually falls in October or November, depending on the lunar calendar; in 2024, it will be celebrated on October 30th.
Significance of Dhanteras:
- Worship of Lord Dhanvantari: Dhanteras is dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, the deity of health and medicine. Devotees pray for good health and well-being.
- Wealth and Prosperity: The festival is associated with Goddess Lakshmi, representing wealth and prosperity. It is believed that worshipping her on this day brings good fortune.
- Buying New Items: It is considered auspicious to buy new items, especially metals like gold, silver, and utensils, on Dhanteras. This tradition symbolizes the welcoming of wealth into the home.
Customs and Celebrations:
- Cleaning and Decorating: Homes are cleaned and decorated to welcome prosperity.
- Lighting Diyas: People light diyas and candles to illuminate their homes.
- Puja (Prayer Rituals): Special prayers and rituals are performed to honor Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi.
- Shopping: Many people purchase gold, silver, or new household items as a sign of prosperity.
Dhanteras marks the beginning of the festive season leading up to Diwali, setting a positive tone for the celebrations to follow.
Worshipping on Dhanteras involves several traditional rituals and practices that focus on invoking blessings for health, wealth, and prosperity. Here’s a guide on how to worship on Dhanteras:
1. Prepare Your Space
- Clean and Decorate: Clean your home thoroughly and decorate it with flowers, rangoli, and lights to welcome prosperity.
- Set Up an Altar: Create a clean space for your puja, adorned with flowers and other decorations.
2. Gather Necessary Items
- Puja Items: Collect items such as:
- Diyas (oil lamps)
- Incense sticks
- Fresh flowers
- Fruits and sweets as offerings
- Gold or silver coins or ornaments (if purchasing)
- A picture or idol of Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi
3. Perform the Puja
- Lighting Diyas: Start by lighting diyas or candles to symbolize the arrival of light and prosperity.
- Invoke the Deities: Offer prayers to Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi. You can recite specific mantras or simply express your wishes and gratitude.
- Offer Items: Present the gathered items as offerings. Place the gold or silver items you’ve purchased or already own in front of the deities.
- Prayers for Health and Wealth: Focus your prayers on good health, prosperity, and well-being for yourself and your family.
4. Perform Aarti
- Aarti Ceremony: Perform the aarti (a devotional song) by circling a lit diya in front of the deities, singing praises, and expressing your devotion.
5. Distribute Prasad
- Offer Prasad: After the puja, distribute the offerings (fruits and sweets) as prasad (blessed food) among family members.
6. Charitable Acts
- Acts of Kindness: Consider giving to charity or helping those in need, reflecting the spirit of generosity associated with the festival.
7. Reflect and Meditate
- Personal Reflection: Take a moment for quiet reflection or meditation, focusing on your goals for health and prosperity in the coming year.
By following these steps, you can create a meaningful Dhanteras celebration that honors tradition and invites blessings into your life.