Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, is a significant Hindu festival that marks the beginning of the 5-day Diwali celebrations. On this auspicious day, Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, is worshipped. Dhanteras holds great cultural and religious significance for Hindus all over India and even globally.
On the day of Dhanteras, people purchase gold, silver, and utensils as it is considered extremely auspicious. It is believed that new purchases and investments made on this day will bring luck, success, and prosperity. The day is dedicated to wealth, hence the name 'Dhan'-teras which literally translates to 'wealth'-thirteenth.
When is Dhanteras 2023?
In 2023, Dhanteras will be celebrated on November 10th. The previous day, November 12, marks Chhoti Diwali.
- Dhanteras 2023 Date - Friday, November 10th, 2023
- Dhanteras Puja Muhurat - Evening 06:02 PM to 08:00 PM
What is the Significance of Dhanteras?
Dhanteras holds great meaning for Hindus as there are many legends and beliefs associated with this festival. Here are some of the main reasons it is celebrated:
Goddess Lakshmi surfaced from the ocean amidst the churning of the Milky Sea on this particular day. Hence, she is worshipped for blessings of wealth and prosperity.
It commemorates the birth anniversary of Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health and Ayurveda.
The son of King Hima was destined to die on the 4th day after his marriage. But his wife did not let Yama enter and saved his life by lighting lamps and decorating the palace on Dhantrayodashi night.
Legend said once when the 16-year-old son of King Hima was destined to die by a snake bite, his wife did not let Yamaraj enter the house. She lit lamps everywhere and sang songs. Hence, lighting diyas on Dhanteras is considered auspicious.
It is believed that any new business venture or financial investment started on this day will be fruitful.
Purchasing precious metals like gold and silver is a ritual, as it signifies Lakshmi's blessings.
Cleaning and decorating the house, buying brooms, paints, etc is considered lucky on Dhanteras.
God of health Dhanvantari also emerged from the churning, so ayurvedic medicines and procedures are recommended.
What is the Puja Vidhi on Dhanteras?
On the day of Dhanteras, Lakshmi Puja is performed during Pradosh Kaal in the evening. Here are the rituals to be performed:
- Clean the puja space and decorate it with rangoli, flowers, and diyas. Place fresh fruits as offerings.
- Install idols or images of Lord Kuber, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Ganesha.
- Light a brass diya with desi ghee, cotton wicks, and black til (sesame seeds) on either side.
- Offer flowers, sindoor, haldi, kumkum, sweets, and coins to the deities.
- Light dhoop and agarbattis while chanting mantras and slokas.
- Sing bhajans and aarti in praise of Goddess Lakshmi.
- Distribute prasad among family and priests.
- Donate clothes, grains, and money to the needy according to your ability.
Dhan Kuber Puja: A sacred Hindu ritual invoking blessings of wealth and prosperity from Lord Kuber.
What are the most promising things to buy on Dhanteras?
- Gold and silver coins, jewelry, bars, and idols of Lakshmi & Ganesha are considered highly auspicious.
- New kitchenware and appliances made of copper, brass, and steel.
- Electronics like TVs, computers, and phones can also be purchased.
- Vehicles like cars, bikes, etc. Any new property or house can also begin now.
- Jewellery, luxury items, clothes, and utensils are also popular purchases during Dhanteras.
- Books and stationery for business or office. Even instruments for artists and professionals.
- Gold bonds, mutual funds, stocks, and shares are ideal investments for wealth creation.
- Ayurvedic and herbal products for health and wellness.
Which things are Avoid Buying on Dhanteras?
While there are many items you can purchase on Dhanteras for good luck, here are some things that should be avoided:
- Kitchen knives or cutting blades which signify the removing of 'wealth'
- Iron materials or tools as they signify 'death'
- Buying glassware or ceramic products that can 'break easily'
- Purchasing leather items as they are polluting for rituals
- Alcohol and intoxicating products
- Any items for funerals or negative events
- Beginning any inauspicious activity or travel
Dhanteras 2023: Auspicious Shopping Timings
Dhanteras puja Muhurat starts in the evening, but when is the best time to buy gold? Here are the shubh mahurats or auspicious timings for shopping on Dhanteras 2023:
The most auspicious period to buy gold and silver for Dhanteras 2023 spans from 2:35 PM on November 10, 2023, to 6:40 AM on November 11, 2023, guided by astrological forecasts.
In case you miss this window, you can make purchases of gold and silver on November 11, 2023, between 06:40 AM and 01:57 PM.
How to Celebrate Dhanteras 2023?
Here are some ideas on how to celebrate Dhanteras in an auspicious way:
- Wake up early, take a bath, and wear new clothes. Prepare sweets and dishes for the puja.
- Clean every corner of the house. Decorate with flowers, rangoli, and diyas.
- Perform Lakshmi Puja with family in the evening during Pradosh Kaal.
- Go shopping for gold, silver, utensils, or any other precious items.
- Purchase gifts, clothes for family, office items, health products, etc.
- Cook a feast and enjoy fireworks with friends and relatives at night.
- Light diyas around the house at night to please Goddess Lakshmi.
- Send warm wishes to loved ones on Dhanteras through messages, calls, and social media.
- Donate food, clothes, and money to support the needy and spread joy.
- Avoid suspicious sights like sick people, empty vessels, and pessimistic talk on this day.
Dhanteras 2023: Wishes, Messages and Quotes
Here are some heartfelt wishes and WhatsApp messages to share good luck and prosperity with family and friends this Dhanteras:
May Goddess Lakshmi bless you with wealth, happiness, and prosperity this Dhanteras. Shubh Dhanteras!
Dilo mein khushi aur ghar pe sukh aur samriddhi ki ho barkat, yehi hai meri shubh Dhanteras ki badhai aur shubhkamnaye!
May you be showered with wealth and success on this auspicious day. Happy Dhanteras!
Lakshmi ji ke ashirwad se aapke jeevan main sukh, samriddhi aur shanti ka vaas ho. Dhanteras ki dhero shubhkamnaye!
May this Dhanteras light up new dreams, fresh hopes, and undiscovered avenues, and fill your life with pleasant surprises and success. Happy Dhanteras!
May Goddess Lakshmi bless you with eternal bliss, success, and wealth on the divine occasion of Dhanteras.
Dhanteras ke pavan avsar par meri or se aap sabhi ko dheron shubh kamnayein! Lakshmi ji aapke jeevan mein sadaiv khusiyan lekar aaye.
I hope this detailed article on Dhanteras 2023 - its date, Muhurat, significance, rituals, and celebrations will help you plan an auspicious and prosperous festival this year. Wishing you a very Happy Dhanteras filled with spiritual joy and financial gains!
Conclusion
Dhanteras marks the start of Diwali festivities with spiritual and cultural significance for Hindus. Celebrated to worship Goddess Lakshmi for blessings of wealth, it is considered auspicious to buy precious metals, utensils, and vehicles and invest on this day. Performing Lakshmi Puja, decorating homes, exchanging gifts and sweets, and donating to the needy are ways to observe this festival. Dhanteras is all about spreading joy, positivity, and prosperity. Wishing everyone a very happy and prosperous Dhanteras 2023!
FAQs
Why is Dhanteras celebrated?
Dhanteras is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Goddess Lakshmi. It is considered an auspicious day to pray to the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
When is Dhanteras in 2023?
In 2023, Dhanteras will fall on November 10. The festival is celebrated on the 13th lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu calendar month of Kartik.
What is the significance of buying gold on Dhanteras?
Buying gold on Dhanteras is considered highly auspicious. It is believed that new wealth acquired on this day brings luck and prosperity.
What time is ideal for Lakshmi Puja on Dhanteras?
The ideal time for Lakshmi Puja is during Pradosh Kaal in the evening which starts after sunset and lasts for about 1 hour and 30 mins.
What things should not be bought on Dhanteras?
Things like knives, iron, glassware, alcohol, etc are avoided as purchases on Dhanteras. Sticking to precious metals, new utensils, and investments is recommended.
