Dhanteras: A Holiday to Celebrate Achievement, Wealth, and Well-Being

What makes Dhanteras a holiday?
Diwali is celebrated for five days, and the first day is known as Dhanteras, or Dhanatrayodashi. It is celebrated on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha, or the dark fortnight, in the Hindu month of Kartika. Dhanteras is a day to celebrate achievement, wealth, and well-being. It's also a time to get together with those we love and give thanks for everything in our lives.

Among other reasons, we celebrate Dhanteras for the following reasons:

• to pay homage to Lord Kubera and Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu deities of wealth and prosperity. During Dhanteras, Goddess Lakshmi is said to visit people's homes and shower wealth and prosperity upon them. They also worship Lord Kubera, the god of wealth and worldly possessions, on this day.
• to celebrate the victory of right over wrong. The son of King Hima was destined to perish from a snake bite on his fourth wedding anniversary, according to the Hindu tale of Dhanteras. However, his wife's stories and capacity to keep him up at night allowed her to save his life.
• to commemorate the birth of Lord Dhanvantari, the Hindu god of medicine and healing. It is stated that Lord Dhanvantari emerged with a jug of amrita, the elixir of immortality, during the Samudra Manthana, or churning of the ocean.
• to grant wealth and good fortune. Dhanteras is considered a highly lucky day to buy new things, especially gold and silver products. Getting new wealth or a precious metal thing is considered fortunate.

In addition to these religious and cultural significance, Dhanteras is celebrated as a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate the beginning of the Diwali festivities. It's a day to prepare elaborate dinners, decorate and clean homes, and exchange gifts.

How to celebrate Dhanteras

There are many methods to celebrate Dhanteras. Here are some ideas:

• Renovate and adorn your home. You should welcome Goddess Lakshmi into your home on Dhanteras, so make sure everything is neat and well-lit. You may also decorate your home with rangolis, flowers, and other festive accents.
• Respect the deities Lakshmi and Kubera. You may do a simple puja at home or visit a temple to honor Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera. Don't forget to give them treats like fruits and flowers.
• Purchase new products. Dhanteras is an excellent day to buy new merchandise, especially things crafted from gold or silver. You may also buy new clothes, appliances, and other essentials for your home or place of work.
• Enjoy yourself with your friends and loved ones. Dhanteras is a time to gather together and celebrate with loved ones. You may cook a special meal, do something fun, or simply relax and spend time together.

Regardless matter how you choose to celebrate, Dhanteras is a time to give thanks for what you have and to pray for a prosperous and healthy future.