Dhanteras 2024: A Complete Guide to Rituals, Traditions, Auspicious Timing

Dhanteras 2024: Dhanteras, the first day of the five-day Diwali festival, holds immense significance in Hindu culture. Celebrated on the 13th lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik, Dhanteras is a time for worshiping wealth, health, and prosperity. In 2024, Dhanteras falls on Tuesday, 29th October, making it an auspicious day to begin the Diwali festivities. This day is dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda and medicine, and Kubera, the god of wealth. In this Blog, we will explore the importance of Dhanteras 2024, the associated rituals and traditions, and the auspicious timing (Shubh Muhurat) to perform these rituals.

The Significance of Dhanteras

Dhanteras is derived from two Sanskrit words: “Dhan” meaning wealth, and “Teras” meaning the thirteenth day. This festival is significant for welcoming prosperity, health, and good fortune into one’s life. Traditionally, people buy precious metals like gold, silver, and even new utensils, symbolizing the welcoming of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. The day is also dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, who emerged during the Samudra Manthan (the churning of the ocean) with a pot of Amrit (nectar of immortality) to protect the world from illness and misfortune.

Also Read: https://ptrahulshastri.com/ahoi-ashtami-2024-timings-significance-rituals/

Auspicious Timing for Dhanteras 2024

Timing is crucial for performing the rituals associated with Dhanteras. The Shubh Muhurat, or auspicious time for Lakshmi Puja and shopping, ensures that all activities performed during this time are fruitful.

Key Timings for Dhanteras 2024:

Shubh Muhurat for Dhanteras 2024 Puja: 6:31 PM to 8:13 PM

Trayodashi Tithi Begins: 10:31 AM on 29th October 2024

Trayodashi Tithi Ends: 1:15 PM on 30th October 2024

With these timings in mind, devotees are encouraged to perform Lakshmi Puja and other rituals during the evening hours for maximum blessings and prosperity.

Rituals and Traditions of Dhanteras 2024

1. Cleaning and Decoration

Homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated with rangolis, flowers, and diyas to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. Drawing her footprints at the entrance is also a common practice.

2. Buying Precious Metals

People buy gold, silver, or utensils, symbolizing prosperity and wealth. Nowadays, electronics and appliances are also purchased.

3. Dhanteras Puja

During the Shubh Muhurat, devotees perform a special puja to seek blessings from Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Dhanvantari, and Kubera. The puja is usually conducted in the evening, during the auspicious hours.

• A Kalash (sacred pot) is filled with water, decorated with mango leaves, and placed in the puja area.
• Lamps are lit, and prayers are offered to the gods.
• Traditional bhajans or devotional songs are sung during the ceremony.
• Devotees offer sweets, fruits, flowers, and other symbolic items to the deities during the puja.
• The most important aspect of the puja is the lighting of diyas, which are placed at the entrance of homes to ward off evil and invite prosperity.

4. Yamadeepdaan

A small diya is lit outside the home to honor Yama, the god of death, ensuring long life and protection for the family.

The Story Behind Dhanteras

One of the most popular legends associated with Dhanteras is the story of King Hima’s son. According to the tale, it was predicted that the prince would die due to a snake bite on the fourth night of his marriage. His wife, however, devised a plan to save him. On the night in question, she placed all her jewelry, gold, and silver in a heap near the door and lit numerous lamps to keep the area bright. She then kept her husband awake by narrating stories and singing songs.

When Yama, the god of death, arrived as a serpent, the dazzling light of the lamps and the shiny metals blinded him, preventing him from entering the house. Thus, the prince’s life was spared, and Dhanteras became associated with worshiping wealth and lighting lamps.

Maximizing the Blessings of Dhanteras 2024

Dhanteras is a time for buying new things and a day for spiritual reflection. Take time to meditate, chant prayers, and express gratitude for the blessings in your life. Donating to the needy, sharing sweets with neighbors, and helping those in need are all ways to spread the joy of the festival.