Contributed By: Anshika Pandey (Student Mass Comm Contributor)
Discovering the Origins, Customs, and Modern-Day Practices of the Festival of Wealth, Well-Being and understand the richness beyond wealth
Dhanteras, the word, originated from two words that are Dhan, which means wealth. Teras means the thirteenth day.
So the Dhanteras falls on the thirteenth day of the Krishna paksha; it is in the dark fortnight of the lunar month of Kartika in the Hindu calendar. And the timing of Dhanteras is based on Hindu lunar calculations, and here in the thirteenth day of Krishna Paksha, it is said to be or considered a prosperous day for worshiping
Lord Dhanvanthri, the god of Ayurveda and health, and for seeking blessings for good health, wealth, and prosperity. It is believed that goddess Laxmi, the deity of wealth, visits homes that are clean, and many families perform Laxmi puja to bless their lives with wealth and health.
So let’s talk about the ritual we follow in Dhanteras that is purchasing new items. It’s our key. Rituals, especially precious metals like gold, silver, and any new items whatever you can. This custom has been going on for a long time and is deeply rooted in the belief that buying something valuable on Dhanteras brings good luck and financial stability for the upcoming time. In recent times, in the modern era, people even invest in other forms, such as electronics, property, vehicles, etc. It encourages people to stay connected with traditions while celebrating the modern era festivals.
It is not only about the material things but also about the depth of the soul, community, and culture. Dhanteras is a time where we honor both spiritual and material abundance. This is the moment we wait where, through family gatherings and acts of kindness, this festival highlights the message that true growth is about fostering the well-being of oneself and others.
The best is family across India, as they celebrate this day with devotion and continue to cherish tradition, which has warmed homes and hearts across generations that tell real richness lies beyond material wealth rather than it lies in the blessings of unity and harmony.