Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, is the first day of the five-day Diwali festival. In 2024, Dhanteras will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. This auspicious day symbolizes wealth, prosperity, and the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari, making it a significant occasion in Hindu culture.

Importance of Dhanteras
The word ‘Dhanteras’ comes from two Sanskrit words: ‘Dhan,’ meaning wealth, and ‘Teras,’ referring to the 13th day of the lunar calendar. According to mythology, Lord Dhanvantari, the god of medicine, emerged from the ocean on this day during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) with the elixir of immortality. As a result, Dhanteras is also linked to health and well-being.

On this day, it is considered auspicious to purchase gold, silver, or new utensils as a symbol of inviting prosperity and good fortune into the home.

Dhanteras Puja Vidhi
Dhanteras Puja is performed in the evening, and the entire house is cleaned and adorned with rangoli and oil lamps. Here’s a step-by-step guide to performing the Dhanteras Puja:

Cleaning and Purification: Clean your house thoroughly, as it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits clean and well-lit homes on Dhanteras.

Setting Up the Altar: Place an idol of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari on a clean altar. Include new items such as utensils or coins to symbolize wealth.

Lighting the Lamps: Light oil lamps (diyas) at the entrance and throughout the home. This is believed to dispel negative energy and welcome prosperity.

Offerings and Prayers: Offer flowers, sweets, fruits, and money to the deities, and chant the Lakshmi Puja mantra for prosperity.

Dhanvantari Puja: Worship Lord Dhanvantari by offering basil leaves and reciting his mantras for health and longevity.

Lakshmi Aarti: Conclude the Puja with the Lakshmi Aarti and pray for abundance and happiness in the coming year.

Shubh Muhurat for Dhanteras Puja 2024
The most auspicious time to perform Dhanteras Puja in 2024 will be during the evening, after sunset. The Shubh Muhurat (auspicious time) is as follows:

Dhanteras Puja Muhurat: 19:02 to 20:36 (timing may vary based on location)
It is advisable to check your local Panchang or consult an astrologer for the exact Puja timings.

Traditions and Celebrations
Buying Wealth Items: A key tradition on Dhanteras is purchasing gold, silver, or new utensils. This is believed to attract prosperity and ensure good fortune for the household throughout the year.

Lighting of Lamps: Homes are illuminated with rows of oil lamps (diyas) to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness and to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.

Health and Wellness: Along with wealth, people worship Lord Dhanvantari to seek health and well-being for their family. Some also prepare and distribute herbal remedies to promote health.

Festive Foods: On Dhanteras, traditional sweets such as laddoos, halwa, and barfi are prepared and shared with friends and family, enhancing the joy of the celebration.

Conclusion
Dhanteras is more than just a celebration of wealth and prosperity. It is also a time to focus on health and well-being, as represented by Lord Dhanvantari. Whether through traditional prayers or the purchase of new items, Dhanteras brings families together to celebrate abundance, health, and hope as they prepare for the grand festival of Diwali.

May this Dhanteras bring prosperity, health, and happiness to everyone! Badhaai Do!