Dhanteras 2023

Dhanteras - Dhan teras, originally known as 'Dhanvantari Trayodashi' not only heralds the Diwali festival but also forms an integral part of Diwali celebrations. The term 'Dhanteras' is derived from the word 'dhan' connoting wealth and 'teras', which is the propitious thirteenth day, occurring at the fag end of Ashwin month.

For Hindus, Dhanteras festival marks the auspicious occasion of buying silver or gold or steel utensils which in a way connotes the grace of Goddess Lakshmi on people's lives. The new purchases are dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber, who are believed to bring fortunate tidings, immense wealth and prosperity in people's lives. People customarily buy gold and silver coins on this day, driving market places and malls into hectic pace of activity. Buying new possessions remains at the heart of this festival, be it household products such as brass utensils, idols of Ganesh and Lakshmi, decorative items or big-ticket investments such as buying a car, organizing 'bhoomi pujan', inaugurating a showroom or purchasing jewellery. Giving a head start to any new venture on this day is considered especially lucky.

Dhanteras 2023 Date

When is Dhanteras Puja? 10 November, 2023

To honor the day of Dhanteras, Hindus practice fast till sunset and break it ceremoniously with 'puris' and sweet dishes. Diyas are lit and placed at the entrance to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. Devotional songs are sung or played. The new utensils or purchases along with cereals are placed in the puja area of the household. In the night, Lord Yamraj, the God of death, is invoked and a 'Yama-Diya' in lighted in his honor. Prayers are offered to keep malevolent forces at bay. In northern and western India, devotees stand for hours in a serpentine queue to offer their prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber for wealth and prosperity. In Maharashtra, a jaggery and coriander-based 'Naivedya' or 'Prasad' is offered. Another popular tradition is consecrating cows on this day with a ceremonious bath and adornment.

Shubh Muhurat for Puja on Dhanteras 2023

2023 Dhanteras Puja Muhurat from
06:10 PM to 08:13 PM
Duration = 2 Hour 2 Mins

Dhanteras celebration

Dhanteras celebration in India is renowned for its grand scale of festivity. While houses, offices and shops starts off the festive mood with flowers, lighting and rangolis, beautiful array of diyas are placed at the entrance for good luck and prosperity. In the marketplace, the ostentatious display of products and a flurry of alluring discounts reflect a customer-driven approach. To cash in on the increasing trend of people planning their purchases to coincide with the auspicious occasion of Dhanteras, retailers time their sales pitch by launching their new collection to cater to the multi-fold demand during Dhanteras festival. Greeting and gifting are also important rituals during Dhanteras celebration.

Dhanteras Legends

Dhanteras festival is associated with Dhanvantari, the physician among gods, who, during the massive episode of 'samudra manthan' emerged from the ocean with the elixir of life preservation. Dhanvantari is credited with the knowledge of Ayurveda and healing practices for mankind. Dhanteras Puja is linked to the story about the son of King Hima whose stars predicted death after marriage. The legend goes that when the fourth day arrived, his wife piled up her jewellery at the entrance and lighted lamps everywhere. She kept her husband awake by telling stories and singing songs, so that when Lord Yama, the God of death, sneaked in the form of a snake, he was dazzled by the glitter of the jewellery and stayed perched on the heap of riches, waiting for an opportunity to bite him. Since the wife kept her husband distracted with her storytelling all night long, Lord Yama decided to leave the place, sparing her husband's life. Hence, in Lord Yamraj honor, Dhanteras is also called 'Yamadeepdaan', and the ritual of keeping a 'Yama-diya' burning all through the night follows from this legend.

Significance of Dhanteras

Also, Dhanteras celebration sets off the upbeat and joyous mood for Diwali, which is eagerly awaited by everyone. There is a general wave of gaiety and joy as the divine light pervades through everybody's life. But beyond the focus on material prosperity, Dhanteras festival also promotes the idea of spiritual abundance and human bonding among people.