Dhanteras 2024 Dates, Rituals, and Cultural Significance Across India

Dhanteras is a very important day that comes just before Diwali, the Festival of Lights. It marks the beginning of Diwali celebrations and is known as the day of wealth and prosperity. The word Dhanteras comes from two Sanskrit words: “Dhan”, which means wealth, and “Teras,” which means the 13th day. This festival is celebrated on the 13th day of the lunar month in the Hindu calendar, called Kartik.

In 2024, Dhanteras will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 29. Let’s dive into the meaning of this day, its traditions, and why people love celebrating it. This guide is perfect for kids who want to know more about Dhanteras and its importance during Diwali!

What is Dhanteras?

Dhanteras is the first day of the five-day Diwali festival. On this day, people worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health and medicine. It’s a day to welcome health, wealth, and prosperity into our homes.

Why is Dhanteras important?

• Wealth and prosperity: People believe that buying gold, silver, or new items on Dhanteras brings good fortune and wealth into their homes.
• Health and well-being: It is also a day to pray for good health and long life.
• Starting the Diwali celebration: Dhanteras marks the start of Diwali, and people begin decorating their homes and preparing for the festival.

Story Behind Dhanteras

The story behind Dhanteras is linked to the Hindu god Lord Dhanvantari, who is considered the god of health and Ayurveda (a traditional Indian system of medicine). According to ancient mythology, when the gods and demons were churning the ocean to find the nectar of immortality, Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the ocean with a pot of amrita (the nectar). Since Lord Dhanvantari appeared on the 13th day of the Kartik month, people celebrate Dhanteras to honor him and pray for good health.

Another popular story is about the son of King Hima. It is believed that his life was saved from the god of death, Yama, because his wife kept gold and silver near him and lit oil lamps around the house. The bright light and shining metals distracted Yama, and he left the prince unharmed. This is why people buy gold and silver and light lamps on Dhanteras to ward off bad luck.

When is Dhanteras Celebrated?

Dhanteras is celebrated on the 13th lunar day of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in the month of Kartik. In 2024, Dhanteras will be observed on Tuesday, October 29.

Here’s a table with important dates around Dhanteras and Diwali 2024:

How Do People Celebrate Dhanteras?

Dhanteras is celebrated with a lot of joy and excitement. People start their preparations for Diwali by cleaning their homes and decorating them with beautiful lights and rangoli designs. Here are some of the key ways people celebrate Dhanteras:

1. Buying Gold, Silver, and New Items

• One of the main traditions of Dhanteras is to buy something new. Most people purchase gold or silver items, believing that it brings good luck and prosperity.
• Some families also buy new kitchen utensils, clothes, or household items. It is said that buying new things on Dhanteras welcomes wealth into the home.

2. Lighting Diyas (Oil Lamps)

• On Dhanteras evening, families light diyas (oil lamps) outside their homes and near their doors to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. The light from the diyas symbolizes the removal of darkness and negativity from life.
• In some parts of India, people also place diyas at the entrance of their homes to keep away bad luck and evil spirits.

3. Lakshmi Puja and Dhanvantari Puja

• On Dhanteras, people offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari. Families perform Lakshmi Puja to seek her blessings for wealth and success.
• Dhanvantari Puja is performed to pray for good health and well-being. People light lamps in their homes and offer fruits, sweets, and flowers to the deities.

4. Cleaning and Decorating Homes

• It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi only enters homes that are clean and tidy. That’s why families make sure to clean their homes thoroughly before Dhanteras.
• After cleaning, people decorate their homes with rangoli (colorful designs made from powdered colors), flowers, and lights.

5. Making Sweets and Preparing Festive Food

• No Indian festival is complete without delicious food! On Dhanteras, families prepare traditional sweets like laddoos, barfi, and kheer to enjoy with their loved ones.
• Many people also make special dishes for the gods during the puja, which are later shared as prasad (offering).

Fun Activities for Kids on Dhanteras

If you’re a kid, Dhanteras can be a lot of fun! There are many activities you can do to help your family celebrate the day:

• Help with Cleaning: You can help your parents clean the house and prepare for the festival. Keeping the house neat and clean is an important part of Dhanteras.
• Make a Rangoli: Try drawing a simple rangoli design at the entrance of your home. You can use chalk, colored powder, or even flower petals to make beautiful patterns.
• Decorate the House: Put up some bright lights and decorations around your house to make it look festive. You can even make your own decorations using craft paper or old CDs.
• Join the Puja: Participate in the Lakshmi and Dhanvantari puja with your family. You can offer flowers or light diyas during the prayer.
• Prepare Sweets: With the help of an adult, you can try making simple sweets like coconut laddoos or chocolate barfi to share with your family.

Why Do People Buy Gold and Silver on Dhanteras?

One of the biggest traditions of Dhanteras is buying gold, silver, or new things. But have you ever wondered why? According to Hindu beliefs, buying precious metals like gold and silver brings good fortune and invites wealth into your home.

Gold and silver are seen as symbols of wealth and prosperity, so people purchase them on Dhanteras to attract more of it. It’s also believed that buying these items can protect you from bad luck and negative energy. That’s why you’ll see many families shopping for jewelry, coins, or even new kitchen utensils on this day.

Dhanteras Safety Tips

While Dhanteras is a fun and joyful day, it’s important to celebrate it safely. Here are some safety tips for kids and families:

1. Be Careful with Diyas and Candles:
   • Always place diyas and candles in safe places away from curtains, furniture, or anything flammable.
   • Never leave a lit diya unattended. Make sure to blow out candles and diyas before going to bed.
2. Use Safe Decorations:
   • When decorating your home with lights, make sure to use safe and certified electrical items. Avoid overloading electrical sockets with too many lights.
3. Be Mindful While Shopping:
   • If you’re going out to buy gold or silver, be careful in crowded places. It’s always a good idea to go shopping with an adult.
4. Help with Cleaning Carefully:
   • When cleaning or moving heavy items, ask for help from an adult. Avoid using sharp objects or harsh chemicals.

Dhanteras and Diwali Connection

Dhanteras marks the beginning of the grand Diwali festival, and the traditions of Dhanteras prepare the home for the big celebration. After Dhanteras, families continue their preparations by buying gifts, decorating their homes, and planning for the Diwali puja.

Each day after Dhanteras has its own special meaning:

• Choti Diwali (the second day) is when families decorate their homes and start lighting diyas.
• Diwali (the third day) is the main day of the festival, when people perform Lakshmi Puja, burst fireworks, and celebrate with family.
• Govardhan Puja (the fourth day) honors nature and the bond between humans and animals.
• Bhai Dooj (the fifth day) celebrates the love between brothers and sisters.