Significance of Dhanteras
Dhanteras is dedicated to honoring Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and Lord Kuber, the god of wealth. It is widely believed that worshipping them on this day brings good fortune and prosperity to households. The festival also commemorates Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda, who is said to have emerged from the ocean during the churning of the Milky Way on this day.Traditionally, people purchase gold, silver, and utensils as symbols of wealth to invite prosperity into their homes. This act of buying new items is considered highly auspicious.
Must-Try Festive Foods
During Dhanteras, various traditional foods are prepared as part of the celebrations:
- Kheer: A sweet rice pudding made with milk and sugar, often flavored with cardamom and garnished with nuts.
- Sweets: Assorted Indian sweets such as laddus, barfis, and jalebis are commonly prepared and shared among family and friends.
- Naivedya: Special offerings made to deities, which may include items like powdered dry coriander mixed with jaggery, particularly in Maharashtra.
Puja Timings for Dhanteras 2024
The auspicious timings for performing the Dhanteras puja in 2024 are as follows:
- Trayodashi Tithi Begins: October 29, 2024, at 1:01 AM
- Trayodashi Tithi Ends: October 30, 2024, at 3:45 AM
- Dhanteras Puja Muhurat: October 29, from 7:00 PM to 8:49 PM
Celebrating Dhanteras involves various rituals aimed at invoking blessings for wealth and health, making it a cherished occasion in Hindu culture.
