Dhanteras 2023 Date: Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, is a major Hindu festival that ushers in the 5-day long Diwali festivities. Celebrated on the Trayodashi (13th day) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Kartik, Dhanteras is considered an auspicious day to buy gold, silver, and other metals. Buying precious metals on this day is believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and wealth.
The legend behind Dhanteras connects this festival with the 16-year-old son of King Hima. When his horoscope predicted his death by snake bite on the 4th day of his marriage, his wife did not allow him to sleep throughout the night. She laid out all her ornaments and gold/silver coins at the entrance of her husband's boudoir and lit lamps all over the place. She sang songs and narrated stories to keep him awake. This continued for 3 nights, after which the oracle's prediction never came true and her husband was saved. The night before Diwali, which commemorated the king being saved, came to be known as Dhantrayodashi or Dhanteras.
On Dhanteras, buying precious metals, especially gold, is a popular tradition. But there are auspicious timings, called Shubh Muhurat, which are optimal for buying gold and other things. Buying as per these Muhurats is believed to bring in more wealth, health, and prosperity.
Shubh Muhurat for Dhanteras 2023
Dhanteras will be celebrated on November 10th in most parts of India in 2023. However, in certain regions like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and other Western states, the festival will be observed on November 10th.
Here are the key Shubh Muhurat timings for Dhanteras gold purchase this year:
November 10th (Friday)
Dhanteras in 2023 are from 2:35 PM to 6:40 AM on November 10, 2023, and from 6:40 AM to 1:57 PM on November 11, 2023.
If you are facing any type of problems in your life you can Consult with Astrologer In Delhi
What to Buy on Dhanteras as per Traditions?
On Dhanteras, the primary purchase is gold, especially jewellery and coins. Gold is the metal of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, fortune, and prosperity. Buying gold on Dhanteras is symbolic of inviting the blessings of Maa Lakshmi to your home and family.
Apart from gold, buying silver is also recommended as an investment and for prosperity. Popular silver purchases are coins, idols, utensils, and decorative items.
In addition, steel and brass utensils are also bought on Dhanteras as a sign of prosperity. These metals signify durability.
Many households also purchase small appliances and electronics on Dhanteras as a sign of welcoming modern-day wealth. Nowadays, automobiles like cars and bikes are also bought on an auspicious day.
Investments in long-term insurance policies (LIC) and the stock market (IPOs and mutual funds) are also considered propitious if timed on the festival.
What Not to Buy on Dhanteras?
While there are many auspicious buys on Dhanteras aligned with wealth and prosperity, there are also some things that are avoided:
- Glassware: Being fragile, glass is not bought as it is inauspicious
- Sharp objects like knives, scissors: These signify cutting ties and enmity
- Plastic: Seen as an inauthentic substitute for metals
- Wood: Being flammable, wood symbolizes destruction
- Coal and matches: Inauspicious due to their connection with fire
- Brooms: Sweeping out wealth should be avoided
- Wasteful, unnecessary purchases: Luxury purchases on credit/loans should be avoided
- Anything in pairs: Buying items in twos is seen as inauspicious
The Tradition of Kuber Puja
On Dhanteras, many Hindu households conduct a ritual called Kuber Puja post the pratipada muhurat in the evening. Kuber is known as the treasurer of Gods and blesses devotees with wealth and prosperity.
The puja is done by creating a small platform using either cow dung or cow urine. Upon this, an image of Lord Kuber is placed along with gold coins, jewelry, and new account books. Lotus, steamed rice, and sweets made of jaggery are offered along with incense sticks and lamps.
Chanting of Kuber Mantras and singing his Aarti takes place along with the puja. Finally, prasad is distributed after concluding the rituals. It is believed Kuber blesses the occupants with fortune leading to a prosperous financial year ahead.
Preparations for Dhanteras Puja at Home
If you want to observe the Dhanteras rituals and puja at home, here are some key preparations:
- Clean the house thoroughly and decorate with rangoli and diyas
- Obtain an idol or image of Lord Kuber for the puja ritual
- Get flowers, sweets, fruits, incense sticks, lamp wicks ready
- Plan the Muhurat timings in advance for gold buying
- Cook sweet dishes like kheer and halwa as prasad
- Invite friends, family, and neighbours to be a part of the celebrations
- Purchase gold/silver coins and jewellery for the rituals in advance
- Get the puja thali, accessories ready with all puja samagri
- Dress up in new traditional clothes to mark the special day
- Play festive music and observe safety when lighting lamps/diyas
Conclusion
Dhanteras is an exciting start to the Diwali festivities with numerous rituals and traditions associated with wealth and prosperity. Buying valuables as per the Shubh Muhurat brings in good fortune and blessings from Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber. Do your gold and utensil shopping as per the auspicious timings mentioned above. Avoid any purchases not aligned with the festive spirit. Conduct the Kuber puja in the evening for a prosperous year ahead. With the right blessings, this Dhanteras can usher in good luck, happiness, and financial stability in the coming year!
FAQs
Why is Dhanteras considered auspicious for buying gold?
Dhanteras is associated with wealth and prosperity. Gold is the metal of Goddess Lakshmi, who blesses us with fortune. Buying gold on this day is believed to bring in luck and wealth for the coming year.
What are the Shubh Muhurat timings to buy gold this Dhanteras?
The main Shubh Muhurats Dhanteras in 2023 are from 2:35 PM to 6:40 AM on November 10, 2023. You can also purchase the precious yellow metal from 6:40 AM to 1:57 PM on November 11, 2023. Buying during these hours is ideal.
How much gold should one buy on Dhanteras?
There is no fixed amount for buying gold on Dhanteras. Purchase according to your budget and requirements. Even a small token is considered auspicious as per traditions.
What are the other things one can purchase apart from gold?
Silver coins and jewellery, steel and brass utensils, appliances and electronics, automobiles, insurance policies, and mutual funds are also good buys on Dhanteras aligned with wealth.
Are there items one should avoid purchasing on Dhanteras?
Sharp objects, glassware, plastic, brooms, wood, coal, and matches should be avoided as they symbolize inauspiciousness. Buying in pairs is also not recommended.
