Dhanteras 2023: Date, Time, Celebrations and Significance
The start of the festival of lights, Diwali, falls on Dhanteras in 2023. As it is observed on the thirteenth day of the Kartik month, it is also known as Dhana Trayodashi or Dhanvantari Trayodashi. “Dhana” means money, and “Teras” or “Trayodashi” means thirteen.
On this day, Hindus all throughout India fervently pray to Goddess Lakshmi for money, prosperity, opulence, and happiness. Dhantrayodashi used to be a day of worship for Lord Dhanvantri, the founder of Ayurveda and the divine doctor, but it has since evolved into a festival of wealth and prosperity.
Dhanteras Date 2023
November 11, 2023, Friday
Dhanteras 2023 Significance
One of the holiest days in the Hindu calendar, Dhanteras is also commonly referred to as the festival of wealth. People purchase gold, silver, and other priceless items on this day as a representation of welcoming Lakshmi home. According to legend, the oceans were churned on Dhanteras to produce “Amrita,” or nectar, and Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantri emerged from the ocean’s milk carrying a pot of elixir intended to promote a long and healthy life.
The story of King Hima’s 16-year-old son is another legend connected to Dhanteras Puja 2023. His death was foretold by a snake bite on the fourth day of his marriage, according to his horoscope. On the aforementioned day, in order to keep her husband awake, the man’s wife piled all of her sparkling jewellery, gold and silver coins, and other trinkets into a stack at the doorway to their sleeping chamber. She also lighted her room with earthen lamps, or “diyas.”
In order to prevent the snake bite, she also performed songs and told stories to her husband, keeping him up all night. After hearing the songs and stories, “Yama,” who had taken the shape of a serpent, returned the following morning after being mesmerised by the lights and shine of the ornaments left at their door. Because the prince’s wife saved his life, this day is now known as Dhanteras.
Additionally, the following day is observed as “Yamadeepdan” or “Narak Chaturdashi,“ during which time the women of the household light “diyas” in each corner of the home and keep them burning all night as a sign of respect for Lord Yama, the god of death, and as a means of wishing their husbands and families a happy, healthy, and prosperous life. In some regions of the nation, this day is also referred to as “Choti Diwali.”
Dhanteras 2023 Celebrations
Dhanteras is celebrated in India in 2023 with great fervour and zeal. Despite being a Hindu holiday, it is also enthusiastically observed by various social groups. The purchase of jewellery, coins made of gold or silver, or kitchenware on this day is thought to attract “Goddess Lakshmi” into the house.
Additionally, buying any form of “metal” on Dhantrayodashi is thought to bring good fortune. People purchase new clothing, clean their houses and workplaces, and decorate them with lamps, lanterns, rangoli, diyas, and the footprints of Goddess Lakshmi on Dhanteras. Earthen lamps are burned during “Lakshmi Puja” or “Dhanteras Puja” in the evening to fend off evil spirits and bad energies from one’s house and workplace.
After the puja, “bhajans” and other devotional songs and hymns to Goddess Lakshmi are sung. While conventional sweets are served to Goddess Lakshmi in other regions of India, “Naivedya,” a sweet consisting of jaggery and coriander seeds, is offered to her in Maharashtra. On this day, cattle are frequently worshipped in villages as they are the main source of revenue.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is lucky for Dhanteras?
Silver and gold are two of the most often purchased items. It is said that investing in these precious metals can increase prosperity and can be used to make jewellery and coins. On a lucky day, one can also purchase brass, copper, and silver kitchenware. Utensils composed of steel and iron should be avoided, nevertheless.
2. Which God is Dhanteras?
Lord Dhanvantari is worshipped during Dhanteras. Hindu mythology claims that Lord Dhanvantari appeared during Samudra Manthan while carrying the sacred book of Ayurveda and a Kalasha full of Amrit, an Ayurvedic herbal mixture that bestows immortality.
3. When should we do Kubera Pooja?
Lord Kubera is also known as the Lord of Wealth, bestowing great wealth upon those who serve him. This is a highly lucky pooja that should be done, especially on Deepavali. This pooja may also be performed every Tuesday and Friday.
4. How many Diyas are lit on Dhanteras?
Let’s examine the meaning of each of the 13 diyas: 1. The first diya guards against untimely death for the family. 13 used or old earthen diyas are to be lit and kept facing south near trash outside the house on Dhanteras in the presence of all family members in order to fend off death.
