Dhanteras is always celebrated with great fervour on the Trayodashi day of Krishna Paksha of Kartik month. This time Dhanteras 2021 festival is falling on 2nd November, Tuesday. Diwali begins from this day itself. On one of its days comes Chhoti Diwali and then the great festival of Diwali. The day of Dhanteras has great significance in Hinduism. Buying new things like gold, silver, clothes, vehicles, utensils etc. is considered very auspicious on this day. In most families, there is a custom and tradition to buy something or the other on the day of Dhanteras. In modern times, Dhanteras is believed to be the most important day to buy gold, silver, utensils and other metals. The day also sees huge purchases of appliances and automobiles.

Dhanvantari is worshipped on the occasion of Dhanteras. It is considered the god of Ayurveda. He imparted the knowledge of Ayurveda for the betterment of mankind and to help in getting rid of diseases. The Indian Ministry of Ayurveda had also decided to celebrate Dhanteras as “National Ayurveda Day”. It was first celebrated on 28 October 2016.

Special care is also taken for cleanliness on Dhanteras and Diwali. On this day houses, shops or offices etc. are thoroughly cleaned and whitewashed. Then in the evening, Lord Dhanvantari is worshipped.

Significance of Dhanteras Puja before Diwali festival

Dhanteras marks the beginning of the Diwali festival. Many people choose this day to invest in gold or silver. Because it is believed that investments made on this day bring progress. On this day firecrackers, candles, diyas, clay bowls, porters, chogade, clay idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi, toys and other items required for Diwali are made and bought. On this day people buy Diwali gifts and distribute them to their relatives. The houses are decorated with lights. Special rangolis are made on the floor and small footprints are made.

Interestingly, a girl born on Dhanteras is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi.  Then the footprints of that girl are also put on the floor with ‘Kumkum’. On the other hand, when a girl born on the day of Dhanteras gets married and goes to her in-laws’ house, her footprints are put on the plate with kumkum so that Goddess Lakshmi does not leave the house.

Donate these commodities on the day of Dhanteras

Donating on the day of Dhanteras is also very fruitful and auspicious. It is believed that if donations are made on the day of Dhanteras, then there is never a shortage of money in the house and all obstacles are also removed. But keep in mind that it is important to donate before sunset. In such a situation, wake up early in the morning and worship after taking a bath etc. Then start the donation process. It is said that on the day of Dhanteras, any white thing like milk, curd, white sweets should not be donated. It is considered inauspicious to do so. Let us know what is the importance of which item:

Grain: If you donate food grains on the day of Dhanteras, then the stock of food grains in the house is always full. Apart from donating food grains, you can also feed a poor person.

Iron: Donating iron on the day of Dhanteras is considered very auspicious. If you are facing any problem then definitely donate iron on this day. This will solve all your stalled work and problems.

Clothes: Donation of clothes can also be done on this day. Donate clothes to any needy or poor. By doing this, the Kubera deity is pleased and maintains his grace. If possible, use yellow coloured cloth for donation.

Broom: Donating a broom on this day is also very fruitful and auspicious. By donating a new broom to a sweeper in a temple, there is never a shortage of wealth.

We have made a list of what to do and what not to do on Dhanteras, follow this:-

Worth doing

• Cleanliness is very important on this day. You should clean your house thoroughly.
• Garbage and broken items are considered to be the center of negative energy. Be sure to dispose of them.
• Lakshmi Puja on Dhanteras should be done only during the Pradosh period.
• Yamdeep is a ritualistic form. To avoid any untimely death in the family, a lamp should be lit outside the house.
• Buy gold only when the auspicious time is mentioned in the Panchang.

What not to do

• Clay or silver idols are considered auspicious. So do not worship glass, POP or any other type of idols.
• It is a festival to invite Goddess Lakshmi to home. Therefore, never keep shoes and slippers at the entrance of the house.
• It is said that one should neither borrow nor lend money on the day of Dhanteras.
• The rituals of worship should be done with joy and sincere devotion so that negative thoughts do not spread in the house.
• Avoid non-vegetarian food, alcohol and gambling on this day.

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