Dhantrayodashi is the first day of the traditional five-day Diwali festival. The ritual is also known as Dhanteras. The word ‘Dhana’ means wealth and the day is of great significance to the business community. Dhanteras is observed elaborately by some Hindu communities especially in North and Western India. The importance of Dhanteras is that a new utensil or gold or silver is bought for the house. The day is dedicated to Dhanavantri, the physician of the gods. According to Hindu legend, when devas and asuras were churning the ocean for ‘amrita’ - the nectar of immortality - Dhanvantri emerged from the ocean with the jar of nectar on this day. RITUALS AND CELEBRATIONS Small footprints symbolizing the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi are drawn around houses. Women make it a point to by new utensils and invest in gold or silver on the day. Lamps are kept burning throughout the night to drive away evil spirits. Special dishes are prepared and offered to Goddess Lakshmi on the day. Dhanvantri Jayanti and Yamadeepdan are observed on the day. On this day, Hindus purchase gold, silver and other utensils. Shops and business establishments are decorated on the day. Rangoli designs associated with Goddess Lakshmi are drawn. Many people begin the purchase for Diwali celebrations on this day. Crackers, candles, diyas, hatri, clays idols of Lord Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi, earthen katoris, kulris, chaugaras, toys and whole lot of other items needed for Diwali are purchased on this day. For those doing business, Dhanteras is the day when new account books are bought and kept ready for the Lakshmi puja on Diwali. GODDESS LAKSHMI IN EVERY GIRL CHILD Interestingly, a girl child born on Dhanteras day is considered as the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi into the house and is considered lucky by certain communities in North India. When girls born on Dhanteras get married and leave for her husband’s home, she leaves her footprints on a plate covered with ‘kumkum’ (red powder used in Hindu puja), this is to ensure that Goddess Lakshmi does not leave the house.
Posted on: Fri, 01 Nov 2013 15:07:31 +0000