Dhanteras marks the beginning of the grand Diwali festivities in many states across the country. Dhanteras, also known as the Dhan Trayodashi, is observed on the 13th day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik, as per the Hindu calendar.
This year, Dhanteras will be celebrated on Friday, November 10.
As per the Hindu beliefs, on the day of Dhanteras Goddess Lakshmi is believed to visit devotees’ homes to bless them with good health, wealth and prosperity. Hence, to welcome the goddess, people conduct puja and decorate their houses with bright lights and diyas. Devotees also worship Lord Kuber, the Hindu god of wealth, on this day to be blessed with prosperity and good fortune.
Dhanteras is also celebrated as Dhanvantari Trayodashi or Dhanvantri Jayanti as it is believed that Lord Dhanvanatri, the god of Ayurveda, took birth on this day.
It has become a tradition to buy gold and silver ornaments or metal utensils on this day.
As per Hindu mythology, Goddess Lakshmi came out from the ocean with a pot of gold in her hands during the churning of the sea, which is also known as Samudra Manthan. Hence, to be blessed by Goddess Lakshmi people buy gold on this auspicious day. It’s believed that buying precious metal on this day bestows you with the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and your wealth keeps on rising.
Another mythological reason behind purchasing gold or silver ornaments and metal utensils is linked to the story of King Hima’s son. In the story, it was predicted to King Hima that his son would die on the fourth day of his marriage because of a snake bite. In order to save her husband from the Yamaraj, King Hima's daughter-in-law placed a heap of jewellery near the door and lit diyas. Later, when Yamaraj appeared in the form of a snake to kill King Hima's son, he was blinded by the gleam of all the gold, and silver, and could not enter the room. Hence, it is believed that jewellery or new utensils protect one from the worst circumstances and bring good fortune and prosperity.
(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)
Check out our in-depth Market Coverage, Business News & get real-time Stock Market Updates on CNBC-TV18. Also, Watch our channels CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz and CNBC Bajar Live on-the-go!
