Dhanteras is the first of the great Diwali days. A festival filled with lights, joy, and devotion, it constitutes a vital part of Hinduism. It signifies prosperity, health, and wealth. The very day falls on the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight of Kartik month. The occasion is celebrated with zeal across India. Here’s how the importance, celebrations, and messages of Dhanteras make it a memorable beginning for the Diwali season.
Significance of Dhanteras
Dhanteras comes from the words Dhan meaning money and Teras, which refers to the thirteenth day. It was said that this was the day when Lakshmi had come out from the churning of the ocean when the gods and demons made a bundle, known as Samudra Manthan and that it was an inauspicious time because of all the miseries occurring on the planet. End.
The second one is to Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health and Ayurveda. It is believed that Dhanwantari, after the churning of the ocean, emerged carrying a pot of amrita. On this day, the worship of him would ensure good health and wellness.
Besides, it is a sacred ceremony wherein one seeks blessings and reenergizes one’s self not only material but also spiritual energies in preparation for a successful year to come.
Read More: Why Do We Celebrate Dhanteras? The Significance Behind the Festival
Dhanteras Celebrations
The way Dhanteras is celebrated varies dramatically across the length and breadth of India, with people taking on different rituals to mark the occasion. Here are some of the most common traditions:
1. Purchasing Gold, Silver, and Utensils
One of the most important customs of buying gold, silver, or other ornaments because it is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity. Some people also buy utensils, which are symbols of the arrival of wealth and the goddess Lakshmi in their homes.
2. Lighting Diyas (Lamps)
The evening approaches, and diyas are lit at all the houses to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. These lights symbolize hope, positivity, and the elimination of negative energies. The ritual also serves as a light that guides the goddess to enter houses and bless them with abundance.
3. Rangoli and Decorations
Beautiful rangolis adorn the entrance of houses welcoming peace and happiness. The rangoli is drawn by using flower petals, rice flour, or colors, giving it a celebration and joyful feeling.
4. Lakshmi Puja and Bhajan-Kirtan
At night, Lakshmi Puja is performed wherein flowers, sweets, and bhog are offered to Goddess Lakshmi with religious prayers. Bhajan-Kirtans for goddess Lakshmi Devi filled the atmosphere with calm, peaceful, and devotional ambiance. Also, some prayers are made towards God Dhanwantari by seeking good health and relief from diseases.
5. Making sweets and feasts
The specialties are prepared on this day. Laddoos, kheer, and halwa are prepared in the form of sweets offered to the deities. All family members sit together for such festival delights, thus increasing the gaiety of the festival.
6. Community and Cultural Celebrations
Community activities such as fairs, folk dances, and plays are also done in other areas. Folks go to the temples and participate in community prayer, thus generating togetherness and a festival atmosphere.
Wishes for Dhanteras to Relatives and Friends
Sharing love and goodwill is one way of greeting happy Dhanteras. Here are some warm greetings that one can share with family, friends, and colleagues:
1. “Wishing you good health, prosperity, and happiness with Diyas illuminating your life. Happy Dhanteras!”
2. “May all the good fortune and prosperity of Dhanteras bring joy and happiness to your life. I wish the Goddess Lakshmi presence will bless your home. Happy Dhanteras!”
3. “May the smile of fortune, good health, and Goddess Lakshmi’s grace smile upon you on this auspicious day. Happy Dhanteras!
4. “May your life shine like the lights of Diwali. Wishing filled with happiness, prosperity, and success for you.”
5. “Wishing you and your family a very happy and prosperous Dhanteras! This Dhanteras, welcome prosperity and positivity in your life.”
6. “May Lord Dhanvantari bestow on you robust and healthy bodies and may Goddess Lakshmi bestow upon you immeasurable wealth and happiness. Dhanteras!”
7. “May the divine blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari fill your life with health, wealth, and happiness. Wishing you a joyful and prosperous Dhanteras!”
8. “On this auspicious day of Dhanteras, may every diya you light bring love and success to your life. May your heart be filled with peace and joy. Happy Dhanteras!”
9. “This Dhanteras, may your life sparkle with silver and gold, and may the blessings of Lakshmi and Dhanvantari shower upon you. Have a blessed and prosperous Dhanteras!”
10. “As we light diyas on Dhanteras, may your home be filled with prosperity, positivity, and boundless joy. Wishing you and your family a happy and blessed Dhanteras!”
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Dhanteras is a day to celebrate prosperity, health, and happiness as the beginning of a festival that will bring devotion, happiness, and warmth. It brings families together to celebrate their prosperity and give thanks for what they have. From being the sparkle in new jewelry, and soft diyas to aromatic sweets, this brings happiness and positivity home. Wishing you and your loved ones a lifetime of all the gifting and happiness that this day represents! Follow our culture page for more!
