Dhanteras
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Full Name: Dhanteras / Dhantrayodashi / Dhanvantari Jayanti
Celebrated By: Hindus, Jains, and others across India and globally
Country of Origin: India
Type: Religious, Cultural, Economic
Duration: One day (marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festivities)
Dhanteras, also called Dhantrayodashi, is the first day of the five-day Diwali festival celebrated across India. The day is dedicated to invoking health, wealth, and prosperity by worshipping Goddess Lakshmi (goddess of wealth) and Lord Dhanvantari (god of health and Ayurveda). Traditional customs include cleaning homes, buying gold, silver, or utensils, and lighting lamps to attract luck and ward off negativity.
History & Background
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Origin: Rooted in ancient Indian mythology and Hindu scriptures dating back thousands of years
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Etymology: Derived from Sanskrit - "Dhan" means wealth, "Teras" means thirteenth (referring to the 13th lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik)
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Goddess Lakshmi and the Farmer: Goddess Lakshmi visited Earth with Lord Vishnu but was captivated by mustard fields and sugarcane. As penance, she served a poor farmer for twelve years, making him prosperous. She promised to return annually on Krishna Trayodashi before Diwali, establishing the tradition of cleaning homes and lighting lamps to welcome her
Key Deities Worshipped
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Goddess Lakshmi: Deity of wealth, prosperity, and fortune
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Lord Dhanvantari: God of Ayurveda, health, and medicine; emerged from the cosmic ocean with the nectar of immortality
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Lord Kubera: God of wealth management and treasures
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Lord Ganesha: Remover of obstacles, worshipped at the beginning of rituals
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Lord Yama: God of death, honored through Yamadeepdaan ritual for protection from untimely death
Auspicious Purchases & Shopping Traditions
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Gold and Silver: Coins, jewelry, bullion (considered the most auspicious purchases)
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Utensils: New kitchen items, especially metal cookware and serving vessels
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Vehicles: Cars, two-wheelers, and other modes of transport
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Property: Real estate transactions and finalizing wedding dates
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Electronics: Modern interpretations include gadgets and appliances
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Business Items: Merchants open new account books and make inaugural purchases