Dhanteras, the first day of the five-day Diwali festival, is a significant occasion in Hindu culture. The name “Dhanteras” itself signifies its essence, with “Dhan” meaning wealth and “Teras” referring to the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashwin in the Hindu calendar. This day holds immense importance as it involves the worship of Lord Yama, the god of death, to seek prosperity and well-being. People mark this auspicious day by purchasing gold, silver, jewellery, and utensils, believing it to be a harbinger of good fortune. During the auspicious “Shubh Muhurat,” devotees perform a Puja that involves worshipping seven different cereals, including wheat, urad, moong, gram, barley, and masoor. The goddess Maa Bhagwati is honoured with golden flowers, and sweets are offered as “naivedya.”

To commence the Dhanteras Puja, certain preparations are essential. You will need a clay or atta-made Deepak with four wicks, ghee, a matchstick, a shell with one hole, water, flowers, roli (vermilion), chawal (rice grains), money, an aasan (a small mat), kheel (puffed rice), and batasha (a type of sweet). The Puja is initiated after observing the stars. Place the four-wick Deepak on a pata (plate), position the shell atop the Deepak, and light the diya. This ritual is referred to as “Yamadeep” as it is believed to please Yamraj (the god of death) and one’s ancestors. Following this, sprinkle water around the Deepak and perform the Puja using roli, chawal, and money. Some devotees conclude the Puja by offering four suhali (a type of sweet) and small pethas or kheel and batasha to God as a symbol of completing their Puja successfully.

Dhanteras Puja holds profound significance in one’s life. People buy gold, utensils, and silver items with the intention of inviting Goddess Laxmi into their homes. This marks the beginning of shopping for Diwali essentials such as crackers, diyas (earthen lamps), idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Laxmi, and traditional toys (khilonas). Interestingly, if a girl is born on Dhanteras, she is considered to be the embodiment of Goddess Laxmi in the household. When she gets married and leaves for her husband’s home, she leaves a footprint behind to ensure that Goddess Laxmi continues to bless the house.

In the year 2023, Dhanteras falls on 10th November 2023, which is a Friday.

In 2024, Dhanteras will be observed on 29th October 2024, a Tuesday.

The Dhanteras Puja offers numerous benefits, including the potential for wealth accumulation, overcoming poverty, and leading a life filled with prosperity and happiness.

Reciting the following mantra 108 times during Dhanteras Puja is considered auspicious:

“Namastestu Mahamaye, Shri Pitthe Sur-Pujite Shankha Chakra Gada Haste, Shri Maha Lakshmi Namostute.“

This powerful mantra invokes the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.

Dhanteras marks the beginning of the Diwali festival and is dedicated to the worship of wealth and prosperity. It is a time when people buy valuable items and perform Puja to invite Goddess Laxmi into their homes.

Dhanteras Puja involves lighting a special diya called Yamadeep, offering prayers with specific rituals, and making offerings to God. It is done to seek prosperity and well-being.

People typically purchase gold, silver, jewellery, utensils, and other valuable items on Dhanteras. It is believed that buying such items brings good fortune.

A girl born on Dhanteras is considered the embodiment of Goddess Laxmi. Her presence in the household is believed to bring wealth and prosperity. When she gets married, she leaves a footprint to ensure the continued blessings of Goddess Laxmi.

Dhanteras falls on 10th November 2023 (Friday) in 2023 and on 29th October 2024 (Tuesday) in 2024.