Why Dhanteras is Celebrated in Hindi: A Journey Through Rituals, Traditions, and Legends

In the tapestry of Indian festivals, Dhanteras holds a special significance, marking the auspicious beginning of Diwali, the festival of lights. Celebrated on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Kartik, Dhanteras is a day dedicated to wealth, prosperity, and the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the divine consort of Lord Vishnu. Across the Hindi-speaking belt of India, Dhanteras is observed with great enthusiasm, where homes are adorned with diyas (earthen lamps), rangolis (colorful floor art), and the joyous sounds of Laxmi Puja and Dhanteras Puja. Let's explore the rich cultural and religious significance of Dhanteras in Hindi.

Legends and Mythology: Goddess Lakshmi’s Arrival

Samudra Manthan: The Churning of the Ocean

In the celestial ocean of Kshirasagara, legend has it that Dhanteras marks the day when Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the churning of the ocean by the devas (gods) and asuras (demons). This grand event, known as Samudra Manthan, was undertaken to acquire Amrita, the elixir of immortality. As the ocean churned, various treasures and divine beings appeared, including Dhanvantari, the god of medicine and health, who carried a pot of Amrita, and Goddess Lakshmi, the embodiment of wealth and prosperity.

Kubera Puja and Lakshmi’s Arrival on Earth

The scriptures narrate that Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, instructed mankind to worship Goddess Lakshmi on Dhanteras to bring wealth and prosperity into their lives. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Lakshmi visits Earth and blesses those who worship her with opulence and abundance. Dhanteras is considered an auspicious day for buying gold, silver, and precious metals, as they are believed to bring good luck and prosperity.

Rituals and Practices: Welcoming Goddess Lakshmi

Dhanteras Puja: Invoking Divine Blessings

The heart of Dhanteras is the Dhanteras Puja, performed in the evening to invoke the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. The puja involves elaborate preparations, including cleaning the house, decorating it with diyas, rangolis, and fresh flowers, and setting up the puja altar with idols of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kubera, the god of wealth. Devotees offer prayers, flowers, and sweets to the deities, seeking their blessings for wealth, health, and prosperity.

Diwali Preparations: Illuminating the Path of Fortune

In the Hindi belt, Dhanteras marks the beginning of Diwali preparations. Homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated with vibrant rangolis, creating an inviting ambiance for Goddess Lakshmi. Markets overflow with new clothes, jewelry, kitchenware, and sweets. Families indulge in shopping, as it is considered auspicious to buy new items on this day, especially gold and silver. These purchases are not mere material acquisitions; they symbolize inviting prosperity and good fortune into the household.

Dhanteras Traditions: Coin and Gold Rituals

A unique tradition observed in some Hindi-speaking regions is the custom of purchasing a silver or gold coin on Dhanteras. This coin is worshipped along with Goddess Lakshmi, and it is believed to bring wealth and prosperity to the household. Additionally, in certain communities, a small amount of gold is added to milk or curd and consumed as a symbol of purification and opulence.

Cultural Significance: Celebrating Wealth, Prosperity, and New Beginnings

A Festive Start to Diwali

Dhanteras is celebrated with great enthusiasm as it marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival. It signifies the victory of good over evil and the triumph of light over darkness. Dhanteras sets the tone for the festivities to come, where families gather, sweets are shared, and homes are illuminated with earthen lamps, creating a warm and enchanting atmosphere.

Business and Economic Significance

Dhanteras holds immense significance for businesses and the economy. It is considered an auspicious day to initiate new ventures, purchase new assets, and settle business accounts. Many people believe that starting a new business or making significant financial investments on Dhanteras brings success and prosperity. Dhanteras is a time when markets thrive, and businesses witness a surge in sales.

Conclusion: Dhanteras, a Celebration of Abundance and Prosperity

Dhanteras is a festival of wealth, prosperity, and the celebration of new beginnings. Rooted in ancient legends and steeped in rich rituals, it is a day when Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped, homes are adorned, and families come together. The festivities of Dhanteras extend beyond material wealth; it is an occasion to reflect on the true meaning of abundance, to appreciate the blessings in our lives, and to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. As we celebrate Dhanteras, let us embrace the spirit of prosperity, both material and spiritual, and cherish the joy and happiness that this auspicious occasion brings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the significance of buying gold on Dhanteras?

Gold is considered a symbol of wealth and prosperity in Indian culture. Buying gold on Dhanteras is believed to bring good luck and abundance to the household.

2. Why is Dhanteras celebrated on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha?

The thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha is considered an auspicious day for worshipping Goddess Lakshmi. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Lakshmi visits Earth and blesses those who worship her with wealth and prosperity.

3. What are some of the rituals performed during Dhanteras Puja?

Dhanteras Puja involves offering prayers, flowers, and sweets to Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kubera. Devotees also light diyas (earthen lamps) and decorate their homes with rangolis and fresh flowers.

4. How is Dhanteras celebrated in different parts of India?

Dhanteras is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India, but the rituals and traditions may vary from region to region. In some regions, people purchase a silver or gold coin on Dhanteras, while in others, they add a small amount of gold to milk or curd and consume it as a symbol of purification and opulence.

5. What is the cultural significance of Dhanteras?

Dhanteras marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival, which signifies the victory of good over evil and the triumph of light over darkness. It is a time for families to gather, share sweets, and celebrate the blessings in their lives. Dhanteras also holds economic significance, as it is considered an auspicious day to initiate new ventures and make financial investments.