Significance and Story of Dhanteras

Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, is a Hindu festival that marks the beginning of the five-day-long Diwali festival. It falls on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik (October/November). The word "Dhanteras" is derived from two Sanskrit words - "Dhan" meaning wealth and "Teras" meaning the thirteenth day.

According to Hindu mythology, on this day, Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean during the churning of the Milky Sea (Samudra Manthan) along with other treasures such as the divine nectar (Amrit), the moon, and the wish-fulfilling tree (Kalpavriksha). Hence, people worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera, the God of wealth, on this day to seek their blessings for prosperity and good fortune.

How Dhanteras is Celebrated

Dhanteras is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion across India. People clean and decorate their homes with rangolis, diyas, and flowers. They also buy new clothes, jewelry, and utensils as it is considered auspicious to purchase new things on this day.

On Dhanteras, people perform Lakshmi Puja in the evening. They light diyas and offer flowers, sweets, and fruits to the Goddess. Some people also keep a fast on this day and break it after the puja. It is believed that performing Lakshmi Puja on Dhanteras brings wealth, prosperity, and happiness in one's life.

In some parts of India, people also make rangolis with rice flour and draw footprints of Goddess Lakshmi entering their homes. They also light firecrackers to celebrate the occasion.