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When is Dhanteras 2023?
Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, falls on the thirteenth day of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the Hindu month of Ashwin. This auspicious day typically occurs in October or November, just two days before Diwali, the festival of lights. To get the exact date of Dhanteras for a specific year, it’s advisable to consult a Hindu calendar or an online source, as the dates vary annually based on the lunar calendar.
Dhanteras, marks the beginning of the five-day-long Diwali festival, which is widely celebrated in India and other parts of the world. Falling on the thirteenth day of the Krishna Paksha (fortnight) in the Hindu month of Ashwin, Dhanteras holds immense significance for people seeking wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. The word “Dhanteras” is derived from two Sanskrit words: “Dhan,” meaning wealth, and “Teras,” referring to the thirteenth day.
Best Quotes on Dhanteras
“As the lamps glow with fervor and the air is filled with cheer, I wish you a Happy Dhanteras and a year full of prosperity and good fortune.”
May your life be as colorful as the rangoli, as bright as the diyas, and as sweet as the sweets. Happy Dhanteras!”
“May the occasion of Dhanteras fill your home with happiness and wealth, and may the coming year be full of success and good luck. Happy Dhanteras!”
“On Dhanteras, may you be blessed with the divine glow of wealth and prosperity. May your life shine with the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. Happy Dhanteras!”
Best Wishes on Dhanteras!
- May this Dhanteras bring new dreams, new hopes and illuminate unseen paths to success and happiness for you.
- On this auspicious occasion of Dhanteras, may the divine blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari shower upon you and your family. May your home be filled with prosperity, your heart with happiness, and your life with boundless joy.
- May this Dhanteras bring new dreams, new hopes and illuminate unseen paths to success and happiness for you. May the glow of divas illuminate your path and bring you good fortune in abundance.
- Wishing you a Dhanteras filled with wealth, health, and endless blessings. May this festive season usher in a life brimming with success, contentment, and prosperity. Happy Dhanteras!
- “Wishing you a Dhanteras full of dreams fulfilled, goals achieved, and aspirations realized. May this auspicious day usher in a year of endless opportunities and prosperity.”
- “May the occasion of Dhanteras bestow upon you the gift of health, wealth, and happiness. May your life be filled with moments of love, laughter, and endless celebrations. Happy Dhanteras!”
- True wealth lies in the happiness we bring to others. Happy Dhanteras!
- Invest in love, invest in kindness, and invest in positive vibes. The returns? A lifetime of happiness and contentment. Happy Dhanteras!”
- “On this auspicious day, may your home be filled with the fragrance of joy, the glow of prosperity, and the echoes of laughter. Wishing you a delightful and Happy Dhanteras!”
Best Family Wishes on Dhanteras!
On this joyous occasion of Dhanteras, I extend my warmest wishes to each one of you. May this auspicious day bring us all together in love, harmony, and prosperity.
- As we light the diyas and welcome Goddess Lakshmi into our homes, let us also illuminate our hearts with kindness and gratitude. May the blessings of this divine festival strengthen the bonds within our family, filling our lives with joy and contentment.
- May our home be blessed with wealth and abundance, but more importantly, may it be a sanctuary of love, laughter, and support. Let us cherish these moments of togetherness, appreciating the warmth of family and the richness of our relationships.
- May this Dhanteras pave the way for a year filled with good health, success in all our endeavors, and the fulfillment of our dreams. Here’s to a prosperous and delightful journey ahead, hand in hand as a family.
- Wishing you all a Happy Dhanteras! May our family always shine bright with love and happiness.
- On this auspicious day, may you find prosperity in every endeavor and success in every step. Let the glow of diyas guide you towards joy, peace, and fulfillment.
- As we celebrate the richness of this festival, let us also remember the importance of sharing our blessings. Extend a helping hand to those in need, and spread the warmth of kindness and generosity. In the spirit of Dhanteras, let us all contribute to making the world a brighter and better place.
- May your home be filled with laughter, your heart with love, and your life with endless moments of joy. Happy Dhanteras to you and your loved ones! May the festival bring immense wealth, good health, and boundless happiness.
- Happy Dhanteras to you and your family and the delightful sound of prosperity ringing in your ears. May this festive season mark the beginning of a year filled with accomplishments and dreams fulfilled. Happy Dhanteras!
Why do we celebrate Dhanteras?
Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, is celebrated for several reasons deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and traditions. The significance of Dhanteras lies in its association with wealth, prosperity, and well-being. Here are a few reasons why Dhanteras is celebrated:
1. Goddess Lakshmi’s Arrival:
Dhanteras marks the beginning of the Diwali festival and is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Hindus believe that on this day, Goddess Lakshmi visits homes that are clean and well-lit, bringing wealth and blessings to the inhabitants.
2. Worship of Lord Dhanvantari:
Dhanteras is also associated with Lord Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Dhanvantari emerged during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) with a jar of elixir, symbolizing health and well-being. Therefore, people worship Lord Dhanvantari on Dhanteras, seeking good health and longevity.
3. Symbol of Wealth:
The word “Dhanteras” is derived from two Sanskrit words: “Dhan,” meaning wealth, and “Teras,” referring to the thirteenth day. On this day, it is a tradition to buy gold, silver, or other valuable items, symbolizing the acquisition of wealth and prosperity. People also purchase new utensils, clothing, and home appliances, signifying good luck and happiness.
4. Historical Significance:
Dhanteras is associated with a legendary story of King Hima’s son, as mentioned earlier. According to the legend, his life was saved by his wife’s cleverness, and since then, it became a tradition to keep a lamp burning throughout the night on Dhanteras to ward off death and evil spirits.
5. Auspicious Beginnings:
Many people consider Dhanteras an auspicious day to start new ventures, make important purchases, or invest in assets. The belief is that any new beginning made on this day will prosper and bring good fortune.
In summary, Dhanteras is celebrated to invite wealth, prosperity, and good health into one’s life. It is a day when families come together to worship deities, engage in rituals, and make purchases symbolizing financial well-being, creating an atmosphere of joy, faith, and positivity.
Story of Dhanteras
The Legend of Dhanteras: Triumph of Light Over Darkness
In the ancient city of Ayodhya, there lived a young prince named Yama. He was the son of King Hima and Queen Pushpa, a noble and just ruler. Despite their wealth and prosperity, they could not escape the clutches of destiny, as Yama was destined to die on the fourth day of his marriage due to a snake bite.
On the fateful night before Yama’s predicted death, his wife, a clever and devoted woman, refused to accept his fate. She devised a plan to save her husband’s life. Knowing that Yama would fall asleep due to exhaustion, she decided to keep him awake throughout the night.
She gathered all her gold and silver ornaments and placed them in a heap at the entrance of their chamber. She then lit numerous oil lamps and placed them around the room. To keep Yama awake, she narrated stories, sang songs, and played musical instruments, captivating him with her presence.
Meanwhile, the god of death, Yama, arrived in the form of a serpent to claim Yama’s life. However, the brilliance of the lamps and the sparkle of the gold and silver blinded the serpent. The sound of the stories and music masked any noise he made, preventing Yama from waking up. As the night passed, the first light of dawn dispelled the darkness, and Yama, defeated by the cleverness of Yama’s wife, slithered away without taking Yama’s life.
This incident became a significant legend and gave rise to the tradition of lighting lamps and adorning homes with gold and silver ornaments on the thirteenth day of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashwin, known as Dhanteras. The word “Dhanteras” itself is derived from “Dhan,” meaning wealth, and “Teras,” which refers to the thirteenth day. People celebrate Dhanteras by lighting lamps, buying new gold or silver items, and seeking the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari for wealth, prosperity, and good health.
The legend of Dhanteras reminds us of the triumph of light over darkness, cleverness over fate, and the enduring power of devotion and intelligence. It continues to inspire people to celebrate this auspicious day with joy, faith, and gratitude for the blessings of wealth and prosperity in their lives.
Historical and Mythological Significance
Dhanteras has both historical and mythological roots. According to Hindu mythology, Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, emerged on this day carrying a jar of elixir (amrita) during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). Hence, the day is considered auspicious for acquiring new belongings, especially gold, silver, and other precious items.
Another popular legend associated with Dhanteras is the story of King Hima’s son. It is believed that his life was saved from the clutches of death by his wife who cleverly prevented him from falling asleep on the day of Dhanteras. She laid out all her gold and silver ornaments, as well as coins, and lit lamps around them. She also narrated stories and sang songs to keep her husband awake. Yama, the god of death, arrived in the form of a serpent but was blinded by the dazzle of the ornaments and lamps. Consequently, he could not take the prince’s life. This tale symbolizes the importance of wealth and its protective power.
Traditions and Celebrations
Dhanteras is observed with great enthusiasm and fervor. Devotees clean their homes and workplaces, decorate them with colorful rangoli (artistic designs made with colored powders), and light oil lamps and candles. The main ritual involves purchasing gold, silver, or other valuable items, signifying good luck and prosperity. People also buy new utensils, clothing, and home appliances on this day.
In addition to materialistic purchases, people pray and offer special prayers to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Lord Kubera, the treasurer of wealth. Temples are adorned with flowers and lights, and special pujas (prayer ceremonies) are conducted to seek blessings for financial success and prosperity.
Modern Significance
In contemporary times, Dhanteras has gained commercial significance, with many businesses offering attractive discounts and deals to customers, especially on jewelry, electronic items, and home appliances. It has become a day when people invest in valuable assets and celebrate the spirit of prosperity.
Dhanteras : Embracing Tradition, Celebrating Abundance
Dhanteras, a festival deeply rooted in ancient Indian traditions, holds a special place in the hearts of millions. As the air becomes festive and homes echo with joyous laughter, Dhanteras heralds the arrival of Diwali, the festival of lights. More than just a day of material acquisitions, Dhanteras encapsulates the spirit of abundance, prosperity, and the timeless values of family and community.
The Art of Giving and Sharing:
Beyond the glittering gold and the sparkle of new purchases, Dhanteras encourages the art of giving. It is a day when philanthropy meets tradition, as people often donate to charities, feed the less fortunate, and contribute to community initiatives. The act of giving back not only strengthens social bonds but also spreads the joy of prosperity to those in need, echoing the true essence of this auspicious occasion.
Wealth in Health:
In the pursuit of wealth, the essence of good health should never be overlooked. Dhanteras serves as a gentle reminder to invest not only in material wealth but also in our well-being. As families indulge in traditional sweets and delicacies, it is also a time to reflect on the importance of a balanced lifestyle and the blessings of good health. Many opt for healthier alternatives, symbolizing the conscious choice to invest in a healthier, happier future.
Modern Celebrations:
In our fast-paced, modern lives, the essence of Dhanteras remains intact. While traditional practices continue, there is a fusion of old and new as digital transactions and online purchases become the norm. E-commerce platforms offer a myriad of choices, allowing people to select and buy items with convenience, while traditional bazaars and markets come alive with vibrant displays, adding to the festive fervor.
Customs and Rituals:
Families gather for evening prayers, lighting diyas (oil lamps), and invoking the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. The sound of bells, the fragrance of incense, and the rhythmic chanting of hymns create an atmosphere charged with positive energy. Elders pass down age-old customs to the younger generation, ensuring that the cultural legacy of Dhanteras lives on.
The Symbolism of Light:
Light, a significant symbol in Dhanteras and Diwali celebrations, signifies the triumph of good over evil and the dispelling of darkness. The illumination of homes, streets, and public spaces not only creates a visually stunning panorama but also signifies the inner light of knowledge and wisdom, guiding us through life’s challenges.
Conclusion
Dhanteras, with its rich historical and mythological background, continues to be a significant festival in the Hindu calendar. It serves as a reminder of the importance of wealth, not just as a material possession but as a means to bring happiness, security, and fulfillment in our lives. As families come together to celebrate this auspicious day, they not only indulge in materialistic pursuits but also strengthen the bonds of love and togetherness. May Dhanteras bring wealth, health, and happiness to all!
Dhanteras is more than a festival; it is a celebration of the enduring human spirit. It reminds us to be grateful for the blessings we have, to share our joys with others, and to invest not just in material wealth but also in the wealth of kindness, compassion, and good health. As the lamps flicker and families come together, Dhanteras serves as a beacon, illuminating our lives with the promise of a brighter, more prosperous tomorrow.