Dhanteras Festival, also known as Dhantrayodashi or Dhanwantari falls on the auspicious thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik (October/November), is one of the most significant festivals of Hindus in India . On the Dhadnteras, Goddess Laxmi is worshiped to bestow her devotees with good fortune and success in life. On the special occasion of Dhanteras, articles made of Gold or Silver or even new utensils are purchased as a sign of good luck. The auspicious festival of Dhanteras holds a lot more significance for the business community.
Mythology of Dhanteras
In accordance with Hindus mythology, it is believed that during the churning of ocean (Samudramanthan) by Gods and demons, Lord Dhanwantari (the Physician of Gods) emerged out with a jar of Amrit (nectar of life) on the day of Dhanteras. As a consequence, the worship of Lord Dhanvantari has become a part of Dhanteras celebrations in most of the home.
Another legend of Dhanteras that is, the son of King Hima was doomed to die on the fourth day of his wedding by snakebite. On that exacting fourth day of his wedding ceremony his young wife did not allow him to sleep. She collected all the ornaments and lots of gold and silver coins in a big heap at the entrance and lighted lots of lamps all over the place and she went on telling stories and singing songs. When Yamraj, the God of death arrived there in the guise of a serpent, the dazzle of those brilliant lights made his eyes blind and he could not enter the prince's chamber. In view of the fact that, then this day of Dhanteras came to be known as the day of "Yamadeepdaan" and people pay money for some item of jewellery and keep a lamp lit hard by all night.
Preparations of Dhanteras
With the intention of marking the auspicious day, houses and business premises are refurbished and decorated. Entrance hall are made multicolored with lovely traditional motifs of Rangoli designs to welcome the Goddess of Wealth Lakshmi. Indicating her long-awaited arrival, small footprints are drawn with rice flour and vermilion powder all over the abodes. Earthen lamps are kept burning all through the nights.
Dhanteras Traditions
On the special Dhanteras day, Hindus regard as it auspicious to pay money for gold or silver articles or at least one or two new utensils. It is said that new "Dhan" or some form of precious metal is a sign of good luck. "Laxmi-Puja" or "Worship Goddess of Wealth" is performed in the evenings when diminutive Diyas of clay are lighted to drive away the shadows of evil spirits. "Bhajans"-devotional songs- in respect of Goddess of wealth are also sung.
Celebrations of Dhanteras
The festival of Dhanteras is celebrated with fervor and mirth. On this special day, homes and offices or the places of business are refurbished and decked out. Entrance hall are made vibrant & multicoloured with beautiful traditional designs of Rangoli to welcome Laxmi "Goddess of wealth and prosperity". As a symbol of the arrival of Goddess Laxmi small footprints are drawn with rice flour and vermilion powder all over the abodes, in addition small diyas of clay are lighted through the night to keep the evil spirits away.
Dhanteras is well thought-out to be auspicious to pay money for gold, silver and any other new article. On this day devotees purchase new jewellery, car, even homes and dates for marriages are also fixed. "Lakshmi-Puja" is performed singing "Bhajans"-devotional songs- in praise of Goddess Laxmi in the evening. "Naivedya" made of traditional sweets and offered to the Goddess. In village cattles are regarded as sacred and incarnation of Laxmi therefore on this day Cows are adorned and worshiped with great devotion.
