Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, is a Hindu festival celebrated two days before Diwali. It marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival and holds special significance in Indian culture.
Here’s why Dhanteras is celebrated:
1. Worship of Lord Dhanvantari: Dhanteras is dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, the god of medicine and Ayurveda. According to Hindu mythology, during the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan), Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the ocean holding a pot of amrita (nectar of immortality) on this day. Hence, he’s worshipped as the divine healer, symbolizing health and wellness.
2. Prosperity and Wealth: The word “Dhan” means wealth, and Dhanteras is associated with Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. People believe that worshipping her on this day will bring good fortune, health, and prosperity. As a tradition, people buy new gold, silver, or kitchen utensils, as it is considered auspicious and believed to invite prosperity into their homes.
3. Symbolic Cleansing: Many people clean and decorate their homes as a way of preparing for Goddess Lakshmi’s arrival, symbolizing the removal of negativity and the welcoming of positivity and blessings.
4. Special Rituals for Business and Health: Dhanteras is particularly significant for business communities. Many businesses and households start new accounting ledgers on this day. People also perform rituals and pujas to maintain the well-being of family members, as the day honors the divine healer, Dhanvantari.
Dhanteras is essentially about embracing health, wealth, and prosperity, aligning with the essence of Diwali’s larger theme of light over darkness and good fortune for the coming year.
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