Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, is marked by praying to goddess Lakshmi and lord Kubera and the purchase of objects made of metal."Dhanteras", is one of the famous festivals of India. It is an important part of Diwali celebration. It is a first day of five day celebration of Diwali festival.The festival of "Dhanteras" falls in the Hindu calendar month of "Kartik" (Oct-Nov) on the 13th lunar day of Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight). This auspicious day is celebrated two days before of the festival of lights "Diwali".
Dhanteras is associated with wealth and prosperity. On this auspicious day people buy precious metals gold and silver ornaments and utensils to enhance the household prosperity. It holds special significance for the business community. All the new purchases are dedicated to goddess Lakshmi and lord Kubera. Markets and malls becomes a hectic place of activity. Getting and gifting are also an important ritual during this day. Puja is performed in the evening. Lamps are lit and placed at the entrance to welcome goddess Lakshmi for providing prosperity and well beings and to drive away the shadow of evil spirits. In the many parts of south India, there is a tradition of cows and cattle are worshiped by the farmers.
Dhanteras 2017 Puja Muhurt and timing
Dhanteras Puja Muhurta - 19:45 to 20:37
Duration - 0 Hours 51 Mins
Pradosh Kaal - 18:06 to 20:37
Vrishabha Kaal - 19:45 to 21:43
Trayodashi Tithi Starts - 00:26 on 17th October 2017
Trayodashi Tithi Ends - 00:08 on 18th October 2017
Duration - 0 Hours 51 Mins
Pradosh Kaal - 18:06 to 20:37
Vrishabha Kaal - 19:45 to 21:43
Trayodashi Tithi Starts - 00:26 on 17th October 2017
Trayodashi Tithi Ends - 00:08 on 18th October 2017
Dhanteras Preparation
Dhanteras precedes Diwali and therefore people prepare for the grand celebrations of Diwali on this day. The houses and business locations are cleaned and decorated with festoons and lights. It is also believed that any purchase done on this day is highly auspicious and lucky. Therefore people purchase clothes and jewels on this day. Most Diwali purchases happen on this day leading to a hectic commercial activity in the markets.
Dhanteras 2017 puja procedure
➤On Dhanteras, the households are cleaned and people decorate their houses. From the entrance of the house, steps of Lakshmi are drawn on the floor leading to the puja room. Rangolis adorn the house fronts.
➤Some people fast for the whole day till the evening on Dhanteras. In the evening, fasting is concluded after Dhanteras puja and lighting Yamdeep. The main dishes for the day are puris and sweets.
➤On Dhanteras some people worship seven grains displaying them in front of Mother Lakshmi.
➤In the evening, Lakshmi puja and Dhanvanri puja happen during the pradosh kal or the two hours following sunset.
➤People also display gold, silver and newly bought utensils in front of the puja altar. Some people buy new vehicles and expensive items on this day to invite luck into the household.
➤The main part of the Dhanteras puja is to light Yamdeep. The lamp is kept at the entrance of the house till morning to dispel evil forces and negative energies and also invite the blessings of Yama and Mahalakshmi.
Dhanteras Rangoli
