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Dhanteras 2023. First Day of Festival of Diwali 2023. A Celebration of Wealth, Health and Prosperity. Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi or Dhanvantari Trayodashi, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with immense enthusiasm across India.
This special day falls on the thirteenth day of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Kartik, according to the Hindu lunar calendar.
It holds a rich history and is revered as a time for invoking wealth and prosperity.
In this article, we explore the origins, traditions, and significance of Dhanteras, a day that marks the beginning of the grand Diwali celebrations.
Historical Roots of Dhanteras:
Dhanteras has a profound history intertwined with tales of wealth, health, and divinity. The festival’s origins can be traced back to two significant stories.
Legend of King Hima’s Son:
One popular legend behind Dhanteras revolves around the young son of King Hima. As per his horoscope, he was predicted to die on the fourth day of his marriage due to a snake bite.
To protect her husband, the newlywed bride cleverly placed all her gold and silver ornaments, along with precious coins, in a heap at the entrance of their chamber.
She then lit countless lamps and regaled her husband with stories and songs.
When the God of Death, Yama, arrived in the guise of a serpent to take her husband’s life, he was blinded by the shimmering gold and mesmerized by the light of the lamps. He could not enter the chamber and departed.
Thus, the clever wife saved her husband’s life, and this story gave rise to the tradition of lighting lamps and buying precious metals on Dhanteras.
Lord Dhanvantari:
The second story relates to Lord Dhanvantari, who emerged from the churning of the ocean during the great cosmic battle between the gods and demons.
He carried a pot of the elixir of life, symbolizing health and well-being.
This tale highlights the association of Dhanteras with good health and long life, and many people worship Lord Dhanvantari on this day.
Date of Dhanteras:
Dhanteras is celebrated on the thirteenth day of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. In the Gregorian calendar, it usually falls in October or November.
This auspicious day marks the beginning of a five-day Diwali festival, with Dhanteras being followed by Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali), Diwali (the festival of lights), Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj.
National Holiday:
Dhanteras is not a national holiday in India, but it is widely celebrated across the country, including regions where Diwali is observed as a public holiday.
Regional Names and Celebrations:
Dhanteras is celebrated with various regional names and unique customs.
In the western and northern parts of India, it is known as Dhanteras or Dhanatrayodashi.
In the southern regions, it is celebrated as Yamadeepdaan.
The customs and traditions may vary, but the central theme of invoking wealth and prosperity remains consistent.
Conclusion:
Dhanteras 2023 A Celebration of Wealth, Health and Prosperity. Dhanteras, a festival of wealth and prosperity, has a history that is steeped in legends and customs.
The celebration of this day brings families together, fostering a sense of unity, positivity, and good fortune.
As you light the lamps and embrace the tradition of buying valuables on this day, may your life be filled with wealth and blessings.
This Dhanteras, let the radiance of this festival illuminate your life, bringing you happiness and prosperity.