As we all know the Hindu calendar is mostly influenced by the geocentric model of the solar system. Some of the festivals follow the path of the Sun and some of them follow the phases of the moon. One of the festivals that follows the phases of the moon is the Dhanteras. The word ‘Dhanteras’ explains itself as ‘Dhan’ which means prosperity and ‘Teras’ which means the thirteenth day of the phases of the waning moon. Hence, it is celebrated on the thirteenth day of the waning moon phase. ‘Triyodashi tithi’ or the thirteenth day of a dark moon fortnight is always considered to be very auspicious according to Hindu philosophy. The day after is celebrated the festival of Lights Diwali. Dhanteras celebrates prosperity, success, and wisdom. This day of the month of the Hindu calendar of Ashwin or Kartick is worshipped specifically for wealth or dhan. Generally falling in the Roman calendar month of October or November, the day of Dhanteras is observed as Dhan Triyodashi or Dhanwantari Triyodashi. Everyone celebrates this festival with much vigor and enthusiasm for it leads to more grand celebrations of Diwali. People send gifts and sweets to their loved ones to celebrate and decorate their houses with Diyas and Rangoli. People staying afar send Dhanteras gifts for their loved ones and make their day special. There are many beliefs and rituals that make the day of Dhanteras special for the people. If you are keen to know more about them you will find all of it in this article.
It is believed that the day of Dhanteras is auspicious itself but the course of nature is wild. So, to invoke balance and welcome prosperity along with wisdom one has to bring both forces together. This is what happens in the puja ceremonies of Dhanteras, the Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped along with Lord Ganesh. To bring balance by worshipping the Goddess of prosperity with the god of success and wisdom. The worship is believed to bring the balanced force of wisdom, success, and prosperity to the household and families of the people conducting the ceremonies. Hence, most people organize puja in their homes to bring balance. Now, nothing can start without sweets in India. So, traditional sweets are distributed to send warm wishes and sometimes invitations to elaborate puja ceremonies. Along with the worship it is believed to be auspicious to buy or receive any precious metal such as brass, copper, silver, or gold. People follow this tradition and buy essential commodities made of these metals. Many people also send gifts like Shangun coins which are made of silver and gold having an impression of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. People decorate their houses with Rangoli made either from flowers and diyas or with colors and diyas. Lighting up the evening is also one of the traditions to welcome the gods in their abode.
Dhanwantari, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu is believed to appear on this day from the ocean when the Gods and the Demons churned the ocean for the nectar of immortality or the elixir. He came out with boons of natural cures in the form of Ayurveda. So, his day is celebrated as Dhanwantari Triyodashi or Dhanwantari Jayanti. Other Hindu astrological fables say that it was on this day, the sixteen-year-old son of King Hima was prophesied to die as per his horoscope by snake biting. But King Hima’s daughter-in-law piled up dhan or wealth in the form of new ornaments and silver coins at the doorway, lit up diyas or lamps, and spent all night singing and telling stories to her husband. When Yama, the Host of Death came in the disguise of a serpent he got dazzled by the glittering heaps of wealth and left from the doorsteps. Thus dhan, Triyodashi is the day of Yama-deep dan too. The Puja is also organized and completed for the health of the family members too. Thus, if we know these stories we know why people buy precious metals and light up diyas.
Thus, the celebration of Dhanteras is a very significant one as it expresses the beliefs that are centered on the protection of the family. It also creates balance with the forces of nature and brings health, prosperity, and wisdom. We also get a beautiful chance to connect with our loved ones on this day. Hence it is one of the most momentous days in which we can send gifts to our loved ones and make them feel cared for.
