Why Is Dhanteras Celebrated? History and Significance of Dhanteras

Dhanteras marks the beginning of the Diwali celebrations – a time when families come together, homes are filled with light, and the spirit of prosperity is ushered in. But have you ever wondered what makes Dhanteras so special? From buying gold and silver to performing rituals that invite good fortune, Dhanteras holds deep-rooted significance in Indian culture. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this day so special!

Let’s Begin

Diwali is a festival of lights, joy, and new beginnings–and it all starts with Dhanteras! But why is Dhanteras celebrated, and what makes it such an important day? The answer lies in a fascinating blend of mythology, culture, and tradition. Celebrated two days before Diwali, Dhanteras is not just about buying gold and silver; it’s a day when we honour wealth and health, invite positive energy, and mark the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival. With beautiful rituals and timeless stories, Dhanteras is a celebration that goes beyond material purchases—it’s about welcoming abundance in all forms. 

In this blog, we delve into the stories, legends, and traditions that make this day a symbol of wealth, health, and new beginnings. Read on to know why is Dhanteras celebrated, the best ways to celebrate it, and how you can welcome prosperity into your home.

When is Dhanteras 2024?Dhanteras in 2024 will be celebrated on Tuesday, 29th October 2024.

Dhanteras: The Beginning of Diwali Festivities

Dhanteras, the first day of Diwali, sets the tone for the festivities that follow. The word ‘Dhanteras’ is a combination of ‘Dhan,’ meaning wealth, and ‘Teras,’ which refers to the thirteenth day of the Hindu lunar calendar. On this auspicious day, people across India indulge in buying precious metals like gold and silver, and homes come alive with sparkling lights and beautiful rangolis. 

But Dhanteras is not just about material wealth but also spiritual and emotional richness. By welcoming Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, into their homes, families hope to bring prosperity and positive energy for the year ahead. It’s a day of new beginnings, where the glow of diyas signifies the dispelling of darkness and the arrival of light and happiness.

The Importance of Dhanteras in Indian Culture and Tradition

Dhanteras is celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially in the northern and western parts of India. It’s not just about buying gold or performing Lakshmi Puja—it’s a day that marks the start of a new financial year for many business communities. Shops and homes are cleaned, decorated, and lit up with beautiful diyas to welcome positive energy. Families get together to pray for prosperity, health, and success. 

Many also start new ventures or make big purchases on this day, believing it will bring good luck. Whether it’s buying a new car, starting a business, or simply investing in gold, every action on Dhanteras is guided by the belief that it will lead to growth and abundance.

History Of Dhanteras: The Mythological Origins of Dhanteras

The story behind Dhanteras is as captivating as the festival itself. Several legends are associated with the day, each adding a unique dimension to the history of Dhanteras and why is Dhanteras celebrated.

The Story of Lord Dhanvantari and the Significance of Dhanteras: 

One of the primary legends that highlight the significance of Dhanteras revolves around Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda and medicine. According to mythology, Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the ocean during the great churning, known as Samudra Manthan, holding a pot of Amrit (nectar of immortality) and a sacred text on Ayurveda. 

His appearance marked the birth of health and well-being, making Dhanteras an auspicious day to seek his blessings for good health and longevity. This is why Dhanteras is also celebrated as Dhanvantari Jayanti by many, and people offer prayers to the divine physician, wishing for a disease-free life.

Understanding the Link Between Dhanteras and the Churning of the Ocean (Samudra Manthan):

The Samudra Manthan is one of the most well-known stories in Hindu mythology. This cosmic event, which involved gods and demons churning the ocean to extract divine treasures, resulted in the emergence of Lord Dhanvantari. 

As he appeared with the pot of Amrit, Dhanteras became associated not only with wealth but also with health and vitality. It is believed that worshipping Lord Dhanvantari on this day will bless the devotees with good health, adding a deeper spiritual layer to the festival.

How the Legend of King Hima Connects to Dhanteras Traditions:

Another fascinating legend is the story of King Hima’s young son. According to the legend, it was predicted that the prince would die from a snakebite on the fourth day of his marriage. To save him, his clever wife placed heaps of gold and silver jewellery and lit numerous lamps at the entrance of their chamber. 

When Yama, the god of death, arrived as a serpent, he was dazzled by the bright lights and shimmering ornaments and could not enter. This act of lighting lamps and adorning the house with gold became symbolic of warding off evil and ensuring prosperity and longevity – an integral part of Dhanteras traditions today.

Why Dhanteras is Considered Auspicious for Wealth and Prosperity

• Dhanteras is considered an incredibly auspicious day for wealth and prosperity. 
• According to beliefs, buying gold, silver, or even a new utensil on this day brings prosperity and wards off negative energy. 
• It’s said that purchases made on Dhanteras multiply and bring good fortune. 
• The festival is not just about acquiring material wealth but symbolises the welcoming of positive energy and abundance into our lives.

Dhanteras and the Worship of Wealth Goddess Lakshmi

On the evening of Dhanteras, families worship Goddess Lakshmi, the god of wealth and prosperity. Homes are cleaned thoroughly and decorated with rangolis, and diyas are lit to guide the goddess into the house. 

Special pujas are performed to seek her blessings, and families place gold and silver items in the puja, symbolising their devotion and respect. It’s believed that the Goddess blesses clean, well-lit, and filled with devotion homes, bringing prosperity for the coming year.

Why Buying Gold on Dhanteras Brings Prosperity and Good Luck

• Buying gold on Dhanteras is not just a tradition but a practice that’s believed to bring good fortune and prosperity. 
• Gold symbolises wealth and purity, and bringing it into your home on Dhanteras is thought to invite Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings. 
• Whether you buy gold coins, jewellery, or even silver utensils, this act is seen as an investment in future prosperity and a way to strengthen your financial stability.

How Gold Symbolises Wealth and Health on Dhanteras

Gold has always been more than just a precious metal-it represents wealth, health, and divine energy. On Dhanteras, buying gold or silver is a way to attract positive energy and health into the household. It’s believed that gold, with its inherent purity and value, serves as a medium to channel the blessings of prosperity and good health. This is why families look forward to Dhanteras, which is an opportunity to invest in gold and secure their financial and spiritual well-being.

Celebrating Dhanteras with VBJ

This Dhanteras clutch tradition and prosperity with VBJ’s stunning jewellery collections. Each piece is designed to reflect the spirit of tradition, with intricate craftsmanship symbolising both heritage and modern aesthetics. Choose from our range of necklaces, rings, bangles, and more to add a touch of elegance to your celebrations. With VBJ, you’re not just buying jewellery—you’re bringing home a piece of tradition that will be cherished for generations to come.

Final Thoughts

Dhanteras is not just the start of Diwali festivities—it’s a day that embodies the hope for wealth, health, and prosperity. From its mythological origins to its vibrant rituals, every aspect of Dhanteras is filled with deep meaning and significance. As we light diyas and offer our prayers, we invite positivity and abundance into our lives. This Dhanteras, celebrate in style with VBJ’s timeless collection and make the festival truly memorable.

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FAQs Related To Why Is Dhanteras Celebrated

1. What makes Dhanteras so special?
Dhanteras marks the beginning of Diwali and is considered an auspicious day for welcoming wealth and health into the home.

2. Why do we buy gold on Dhanteras?
Buying gold on Dhanteras symbolises the welcoming of Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings and is believed to attract wealth and prosperity.

3. Can we buy anything other than gold on Dhanteras?
Yes, you can also buy diamonds, platinum, silver, and new utensils or start new ventures as symbols of new beginnings and prosperity.

4. What are the main rituals performed on Dhanteras?
The main rituals include cleaning the house, lighting diyas, performing Lakshmi Puja, and buying gold or silver to attract wealth and good luck.

5. Is Dhanteras only about wealth?
No, Dhanteras is also about health and well-being. It’s associated with Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician, making it a day to pray for good health as well.