Dhanteras

Dhanteras, also known as Dhan Trayodashi, is the first day of the beginning of Diwali celebrations in Hinduism. This festival is celebrated on the Trayodashi date of Krishna Paksha of Kartik month and is celebrated as the worship of Lord Dhanvantari and Mata Lakshmi, the god of wealth and prosperity. On this day, there is a tradition of buying new utensils, jewelry, and metal items, which is considered auspicious.

Story (Katha) of Dhanteras

The legend of Dhanteras is associated with Lord Dhanvantari, who appeared with the Amrit Kalash during the Samudra Manthan. During the Samudra Manthan, when the ocean was being churned by the gods and demons, Lord Dhanvantari appeared with the Amrit Kalash. For this reason, this day is also celebrated as Dhanvantari Jayanti, and people associated with medicine and health perform special worship on this day. Apart from this, according to another folklore, once Yamraj had fixed the death time of King Hem's son on the night of Dhanteras. But King Hem's wife lit lamps that night and made a pile of gold and silver ornaments, which attracted Yamraj's sight and averted his death. This day is celebrated as Dhanteras, and there is also a tradition of celebrating this day as "Yam Deep Daan", in which lamps are lit and given to Yamraj so that there is no untimely death in the family.

Activities to be done on Dhanteras

Worship of Lord Dhanvantari and Mata Lakshmi: Lord Dhanvantari and Mata Lakshmi are worshipped on Dhanteras. Lord Dhanvantari is prayed for wealth and health, while Mata Lakshmi is worshipped for prosperity and happiness. Shopping for new items: There is a tradition of buying utensils, jewellery, silver, gold, or any other metal on this day. It is considered auspicious, and it is believed that items bought on this day bring prosperity to the house. Yam Deepdaan:On the night of Dhanteras, a lamp is lit for Yamraj and placed outside the house. This is called "Yam Deepdaan" and is done to ward off the fear of untimely death. Cleaning and decoration: On Dhanteras, people clean and decorate their houses to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. There is also a tradition of making rangoli and lighting lamps on this day. Significance of Dhanteras: Dhanteras is a symbol of prosperity and good health. On this day, Dhanvantari and Lakshmi ji are worshipped to wish for growth of wealth, health, and prosperity in the family. This day is also very important for traders and businessmen, as they start their new ledgers on this day. Dhanteras marks the beginning of the Diwali festival, and is followed by festivals like Narak Chaturdashi, Deepawali, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj.