Dhanteras, the first day of the Diwali festival, holds immense significance as it marks the beginning of the five-day celebrations. In 2024, Dhanteras will be observed on Tuesday, October 29.
The Trayodashi Tithi, which signifies the thirteenth lunar day, begins on October 29 at 12:36 PM and will conclude the following day, October 30 at 1:15 PM. Given this timing, the Dhanteras festivities and Puja will be celebrated on October 29.
Dhanteras is celebrated on the Trayodashi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. This year, the auspicious day falls on Friday, October 29. According to Hindu scriptures, on this day, Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the ocean during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) carrying a pot of Amrit (elixir). This is why the day is also known as Dhantrayodashi, and it is dedicated to worshipping Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera (the god of wealth), and Lord Yama (the god of death). Dhanteras marks the beginning of the Diwali festival, and buying gold, silver, or new utensils on this day is considered highly auspicious.
Dhanteras 2024: Date and Puja Timings
The Trayodashi Tithi, which signifies the thirteenth lunar day, begins on October 29 at 12:36 PM and will conclude the following day, October 30 at 1:15 PM. Given this timing, the Dhanteras festivities and Puja will be celebrated on October 29.
For those observing the occasion with rituals and prayers, the most auspicious Puja Muhurat falls in the evening. The ideal time to perform the Dhanteras Puja is from 6:31 PM to 8:13 PM on October 29, a period considered highly favorable for invoking blessings and prosperity.
On this day, it is traditional to worship Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health and well-being, as well as to light a Diya (lamp) outside the home to invite positive energy. Many also purchase gold, silver, or other valuables. As this day is seen as an auspicious time for new beginnings and wealth accumulation.
For those observing the occasion with rituals and prayers, the most auspicious Puja Muhurat falls in the evening. The ideal time to perform the Dhanteras Puja is from 6:31 PM to 8:13 PM on October 29, a period considered highly favorable for invoking blessings and prosperity.
On this day, it is traditional to worship Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health and well-being. As well as to light a Diya (lamp) outside the home to invite positive energy. Many also purchase gold, silver, or other valuables, as this day is seen as an auspicious time for new beginnings and wealth accumulation.
How many diyas we lighten
On Dhanteras, it is customary to light 13 Diyas (lamps) as part of the celebration. However, there are five specific places where lighting Diyas is especially important to receive the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Dhanvantari, and Lord Kubera.
- Main Entrance: Lighting a Diya at the entrance welcomes prosperity and positivity into the home.
- Kitchen: This is believe to honor Annapurna Devi, the goddess of nourishment and food, attracting abundance in the household.
- Home Temple: A Diya in the temple area is dedicate to seeking the blessings of all deities and fostering a peaceful, sacred atmosphere.
- Near the Water Source: Placing a Diya by the water source is symbolic of health and well-being, invoking Lord Dhanvantari’s blessings.
- Near the Safe or Money Box: Lighting a Diya here invites Lord Kubera’s blessings, ensuring financial stability and prosperity.
By lighting Diyas in these locations, you honor the divine forces and invite their grace into your life.
What should we purchased on Dhanteras
A shopping guide for Dhanteras is quite straightforward. Many people prefer buying gold and silver on this day. As these metals symbolize financial stability and are consider auspicious for attracting wealth. Popular purchases include jewelry, coins, or even small items made of gold and silver.
After precious metals, utensils are the next popular choice. It is believe that buying new utensils invites prosperity and abundance, especially if they’re intend for daily use in the kitchen. From steel and brass to copper, various types of utensils are purchase on Dhanteras. As they are seen as symbols of good fortune and nourishment.
Why we Celebrate Dhanteras ?
In Indian culture, health is regard as the greatest wealth. Dhanteras is also celebrated as National Ayurveda Day, as it honors Lord Dhanvantari. Who is consider an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and a pioneer in the field of Ayurveda. To mark this occasion, it is customary to light 13 lamps at the entrance of the home, symbolizing the multiplication of wealth and good health.
The word “Dhanteras” combines “Dhan” (wealth) and “Teras” (thirteen), reflecting a day to honor wealth and prosperity. Due to Lord Dhanvantari’s contribution to medical science. The Ayurvedic community celebrates his birth anniversary as Dhanvantari Jayanti on this day.
The Story of Dhanteras
According to legend, during the Samudra Manthan, Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the ocean with a pot of Amrit on the Trayodashi Tithi of Kartik Krishna Paksha. As he appeared with a pot, the tradition of purchasing utensils on this day began. Lord Dhanvantari is believe to have spread the knowledge of Ayurveda for the well-being of humankind. Two days after Lord Dhanvantari’s appearance, Goddess Lakshmi also emerged from the ocean. Which is why Diwali is celebrate two days later. Worshipping these deities is believe to bestow health, wealth, and prosperity.
The Legend of King Hansa and His Son
Once, Lord Yama, the god of death, asked his Yamdoots if they ever felt compassion while carrying out their duties. One Yamdoot shared a tale of a king named Hansa who lost his way in the forest and ended up in another kingdom ruled by King Hema. King Hansa was warmly welcome, and on the same day, King Hema’s wife gave birth to a son. Astrologers predicted that the prince would die four days after his marriage. To prevent this fate, King Hema kept the prince isolated in a cave near the Yamuna River, away from any women.
However, fate led to an encounter between King Hansa’s daughter and the prince, and they secretly married. Four days later, the prince passed away, leaving his new bride in deep sorrow. The Yamdoot was deeply moved by her grief. Upon hearing this, Lord Yama explained that following divine laws and boundaries is essential. But he also suggested a remedy to avoid premature death.
Remedy to Avoid Premature Death
Lord Yama advised that performing Dhanteras Puja with proper rituals and lighting lamps on Dhanteras would help avert untimely death. This is why on Dhanteras, devotees worship Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi and perform Diya lighting rituals to invite their blessings for health and longevity.
By honoring these traditions, people seek health, prosperity, and happiness for themselves and their families, making Dhanteras an auspicious and cherished day of the Diwali celebrations.
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