Dhanteras is here, marking the auspicious start of Diwali. Also known as Dhanatrayodashi, the festival falls on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashvin and sets the tone for the festival of lights. The word itself says it all. Derived from Sanskrit, ‘Dhan’ means wealth and ‘Teras’ means thirteenth day. But Dhanteras is not just about material riches. It is a celebration of wealth, health and family togetherness.
Mythology Behind The Festival
At the heart of the festival lies a powerful mythological tale – the Samudra Manthan, the churning of the ocean. One of the most significant events in Hindu cosmology, the churning brought forth Goddess Lakshmi with a pot of gold, symbolising wealth and prosperity. Along with her emerged Lord Kuber, the god of wealth, and Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda and health, carrying a vessel of amrita and the gift of Ayurvedic knowledge to the world. That is why Dhanteras holds a dual promise – prosperity and well-being. As evening falls today, homes will glow with diyas as families perform Lakshmi Puja to welcome the Goddess of wealth. Sweets, flowers and prayers will fill the air as people seek blessings for the year ahead.
Another tradition makes the day especially vibrant – buying something new. Gold and silver jewellery, utensils, coins or even new household items are considered extremely auspicious. It is believed that what you bring home on Dhanteras multiplies, inviting prosperity and good fortune.More than a ritual, Dhanteras is a reminder to cleanse, to renew and to welcome abundance in all forms – in wealth, in health and in togetherness.
Historically, Odias have celebrated Akshaya Tritiya as the primary festival for buying new possessions. But times have changed. Dhanteras has now become an integral part of Odisha’s cultural landscape, with people from all walks of life eagerly participating in the festivities and embracing the spirit of prosperity and good fortune.
What Makes Dhanteras So Auspicious For Shopping
The word ‘Dhanteras’ combines ‘Dhan’ (wealth) and ‘Teras’ (thirteenth day of Krishna Paksha). This day is considered ideal for purchasing valuable items, particularly gold jewellery, which symbolises success and prosperity. Besides gold, people buy items made of brass, silver and metal as it is believed that buying things on this day brings good fortune, success and protection from the evil eye. Needless to say, Odia women these days leave no stone unturned to celebrate Dhanteras with pomp and gaiety.
What To Bring Home For Lakshmi’s Blessings
People bring separate idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi home and pay reverence to them on Diwali for spiritual and financial well-being.Apart from this, Kuber Yantra is brought home and placed inside the puja ghar, where prayers are offered to ensure prosperity, according to astrologers. Buying metal utensils, especially brass cutlery, on this day is also considered symbolic of good fortune.
What NOT To Buy:
Things That Invite Negative EnergyHowever, there are certain things which should not be bought on Dhanteras as they are considered inauspicious.
- Iron Items: Iron is deemed inauspicious and associated with negative energies.
- Glass Products: Linked to Rahu, glass items are best avoided.
- Sharp Objects: Knives, scissors, pins and the like can bring bad luck.
- Black Items: Avoid anything black, as it is connected to bad luck.
- Shoes: Associated with Saturn (Shani), shoes represent hardship.
- Plastic Items: Symbolising cheapness and impermanence, plastic is best avoided.
