Dhanteras 2020 — Date, Importance & Celebration in India
Diwali is a festival of many days that is kick-started with the celebration of Dhanteras. According to the Hindu Lunar calendar, Dhanteras is celebrated on the thirteenth day of the Krishna Paksh. This year Dhanteras will be celebrated on 13th November (Friday). In the word Dhanteras — “Dhan” signifies money and “Teras” signifies the thirteenth day. During this day the God of health Lord Dhanvantari, God of wealth Kuber and Goddess Lakshmi are worshipped. People believe that if you worship Lord Dhanvantari, Kuber and Goddess Lakshmi on Dhanteras your all health-related and economic problems are solved.
Story & Importance of Dhanteras
Like all other Hindu festivals, Dhanteras is also associated with some mythological stories. Among all the stories king Hima is the most popular one. As per the story, one astrologer predicted that king Hima’s 16-year-old son will die by a snake-bite on the fourth day of his marriage. On that critical night, his wife covered the entrance of their room with gold and silver ornaments and lighted numerous lamps all over the room. Also, she prevented her husband from sleeping all night by telling stories and singing songs. When Yama, the Lord of Death arrived disguised as a snake his eyes got blinded by the glare of those ornaments and lights. He sat in their room all night listening to stories and songs and then quietly left the place in the morning. In this way, the young wife saved her husband from dying. From that day, Dhanteras is celebrated on the 13th day of the Kartik month.
Another story states that Gods and demons did Samudra Manthan on this day. After which the God of health, Lord Dhanvantari appeared from the sea holding the pot of Amrit which is why Dhanteras is also known as Dhanvantari Jayanti. It is believed that on this day God blesses good health and wealth, 13 times the capacity of pot or utensil purchased.
How Dhanteras is celebrated?
During this day people worship the God & Goddess of wealth and health. The festival begins with the cleaning of the house early in the morning. After the house is cleaned, people get ready by wearing new clothes. On Dhanteras people purchase valuable items such as ornaments, gemstones and household appliances and these valuable items are made up of metal. Buying valuable items symbolizes bringing Goddess Lakshmi i.e. ‘wealth and prosperity’ to home which will further bring good luck for the family in the upcoming year. Most people wait for the whole year to purchase automobile and electronics items on this auspicious day.
There is a tradition of preparing Marundhu in the southern states. It is a type of Ayurvedic medicine prepared from a special traditional recipe. The Marundhu is first offered to the Gods & Goddesses before being consumed by the family members. It is believed that it helps in correcting the imbalances in the body.
This Dhanteras, purchase items from the Indian online shopping websites’ festive sales. During the festive sales, you will get exclusive discounts and offers on your favourite items.
Source: Hokosoko
