Abundant wishes....

Traditionally, the festival of lights, Diwali is celebrated over a period of five days. Each one of the five days has its unique connotation, ceremonies and legends associated.

What is Dhanteras? The every first day of Diwali celebrations is Dhanteras. The festival of Dhanteras is also referred to as Dhantryaodashi. Dhanteras marks the beginning of Diwali celebrations.

When is Dhanteras celebrated? Dhanteras is celebrated on the thirteenth day of the month of Ashwin i.e. two days before Diwali.

Why is Dhanteras celebrated? Dhanteras is celebrated to seek blessings of Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth. In the amalgamation of Dhan teras 'Dhan' means wealth. People and specially the rich community celebrate Dhan teras festival widely.


How is Dhanteras celebrated?

Dhanteras is regarded as an auspicious occasion to buy some gold or silver articles. Many people shop for new utensils for their household.

Dhanteras festival is ideal time for setting up businesses, commencing new projects, housewarming, deciding wedding dates, buying cars and jewellery.

Today, exchange of Dhanteras gifts is extremely popular. Special gifts for Dhanteras flood the markets.


What is the legend behind Dhanteras?

The legend behind Dhanteras is centred on the sixteen-year-old son of King Hima. As per his horoscope he was fated to breathe his last on the fourth day of his marriage owing to snakebite. On the appointed day his wife illuminated the house with numerous lamps and placed a heap of gold and silver coins and ornaments in front of their bedroom. All through the night she sang songs and told stories.

The lights of the lamps, and the dazzle of the coins and ornaments blinded the god of death, Yam devta, who had come as a serpent. He spent the entire night in the heap listening to the sweet sounding songs before leaving peacefully the next morning. Thus, the wife succeeded in saving the life of her husband. This explains, why the Dhan teras festival is also referred to as "Yamadeepdaan".

excerpted from www.diwaliutsav.com



Om Sreem Kreem Aum Kubera Lakshmi
Kamala Darinyai Dhanakarsinyai Swaha...

Om Yaksha Rajaya Vidhmahe
Alakadisaaya Dhimahe
Tanno Kubera Prachodayaat...

Om Yakshaya Kuberaya Vaishravanaaya
Dhana Dhanyathi Pathaye
Dhana Dhaanya Samruddhime
Dehi Thapaya Swahaha...

May an abundance of abundance flood your lives on the sacred occasion of Dhanteras...