pooja / Dhanteras

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Dhanteras is the first day of the five-day Diwali Festival. Dhanteras

Festival, also known as " Dhantrayodashi " or " Dhanwantari Triodasi " ,

falls on the auspicious thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the

Hindu month of Ashwin (October/November).

 

In the word Dhanteras, " Dhan " stands for wealth. On Dhanteras,

the " Owl " form of the Goddess Laxmi is worshiped to provide

prosperity and well being. Dhanteras holds special significance for

the business community due to customary purchases of precious metals

on this day.

 

 

Preparations

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To mark the auspicious day, houses and business premises are

renovated and decorated. Entrances are made colorful with lovely

traditional motifs of Rangoli designs to welcome the Goddess of

Wealth and Prosperity. To indicate her long-awaited arrival, small

footprints are drawn with rice flour and vermilion powder all over

the houses. Lamps are kept burning all through the nights.

 

 

Traditions

On Dhanteras Hindus consider it auspicious to purchase gold or silver

articles or at least one or two new utensils. It is believed that

new " Dhan " or some form of precious metal is a sign of good

luck. " Laxmi-Puja " is performed in the evenings when tiny Diyas of

clay are lit to drive away the shadows of evil spirits. " Bhajans " -

devotional songs- in praise of Goddess Laxmi are also sung.

 

 

Celebrations

Dhanteras is celebrated with gusto and enthusiasm. " Lakshmi-Puja " is

performed in the evenings when tiny diyas of clay are lit to drive

away the shadows of evil spirits. Bhajans - devotional songs - in

praise of Goddess Laxmi are sung and " Naivedya " of traditional sweets

is offered to the Goddess. There is a peculiar custom in Maharashtra

to lightly pound dry coriander seeds with jaggery and offer as

Naivedya.

 

In villages, cattle are adorned and worshiped by farmers as they form

the main source of their income. In south India, cows are offered

particularly special veneration because they are thought of as

incarnations of the Goddess Lakshmi.

 

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