Dhanteras is a festival which falls on the first day of the five day Diwali festival extravaganza
. Other names of this occasion are Dhantrayodashi or Dhanvantari Triodasi. As per the Hindu calender, it is celebrated on the thirteenth day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. Dhanteras 2010 falls on 3 November (as per the more popular Gregorian calender).
Significance of Dhanteras
On Dhanteras festival day, Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth is worshipped for preserving the present fortune and for bringing in further success and prosperity in future. It is also the occasion for "Yamadeepdaan" and lamps are kept burning throughout the night in reverential adoration to Yam, the god of Death. This is done in keeping true to a popular legend. The word 'Dhan' means wealth in Hindi language.
Welcoming Goddess Lakshmi on Dhanteras
Dhanteras day is considered especially fortuitous by the merchant, business class households. Preparations involve homes work premises being renovated and bedecked with decorations. From the Rangolis at the entrances to the vermilion and rice flour footprints throughout the house to the burning lamps, everything welcomes Goddess Lakshmi to shower her blessings on the residents.
Dhanteras Traditions
This festival pays tribute to wealth and prosperity and thus is considered the right time for procuring new gold or silver articles or new utensils for own use and as Dhanteras gifts as well. Dhanteras is also a good time for gift shopping for the occasion of Diwali two days away.
Lakshmi Pujan is the main focus of the Dhanteras celebrations, it is organised right before sunset and clay diyas are lighted to drive away evil spirits. Devotional songs in reverence of Goddess Laxmi are sung, these are called Bhajans. Prasad or Naivedya of traditional sweets is offered to the Goddess. Cows are also worshipped on this day as they are the incarnation of Laxmi.