Dhanteras 2024: Puja Timing, Rituals, and Traditions

Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, marks the first day of the five-day Diwali festival, which is celebrated with immense joy and devotion across India. This auspicious occasion is dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health and healing, as well as to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. In 2024, Dhanteras falls on Tuesday, 29th October, and it is an important day for Hindus to pray for good health, wealth, and overall well-being.

Let’s explore the traditions, customs, and rituals associated with Dhanteras, along with how you can celebrate this festival in 2024.

Significance of Dhanteras

Dhanteras is derived from two words: "Dhan" meaning wealth and "Teras" referring to the 13th day of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the Hindu month of Kartik. On this day, Hindus pray for prosperity, good fortune, and the well-being of their families. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the ocean during the Samudra Manthan, carrying the Amrit (nectar of immortality) in one hand and a Kalasha (pot) of wisdom in the other. Hence, this day is considered auspicious for beginning new ventures and making significant purchases like gold, silver, and utensils.

Dhanteras Puja 2024: Date and Timings

In 2024, Dhanteras falls on Tuesday, 29th October. The timings for Dhanteras Puja are crucial for performing the rituals at the right moment to bring prosperity and good fortune.

Puja Date: 29th October 2024 (Tuesday)

Puja Timing: From 06:31 PM to 08:13 PM

Vrishabha Kaal: From 06:31 PM to 08:27 PM

Pradosh Kaal: From 05:38 PM to 08:13 PM

Trayodashi Tithi Begins: 10:31 AM, 29th October 2024

Trayodashi Tithi Ends: 01:15 PM, 30th October 2024

Additionally, on this day, the Yama Deepam ritual is performed to ward off any untimely death and ensure the family's well-being.

Read Also - Govardhan Puja 2024 Date & Muhurat: Celebrating the Annakut Festival

Yama Deepam Timing: 29th October 2024 (Tuesday)

How to Celebrate Dhanteras 2024

1. Clean Your Home

One of the first steps to celebrating Dhanteras is thoroughly cleaning and decorating your home. This symbolizes clearing out any negative energy and inviting prosperity and positivity into your space. People often decorate their homes with rangoli (traditional designs made with colors) and light diyas (lamps) to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.

2. Shopping for Wealth

Dhanteras is an auspicious day for making significant purchases. People believe that buying gold, silver, or new utensils on this day will bring prosperity and good fortune. The act of buying metals is considered to please Goddess Lakshmi, who blesses devotees with abundance. It is also common to purchase new electronic gadgets or vehicles on this day.

Gold and Silver: Buying gold or silver on Dhanteras is believed to ensure wealth throughout the year.

3. Lakshmi and Dhanvantari Puja

On Dhanteras, devotees perform Lakshmi Puja in the evening to seek the blessings of the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The puja is generally done during the Pradosh Kaal and Vrishabha Kaal, as these timings are considered highly auspicious.

Here’s a simple Lakshmi Puja you can perform:

Step 1: Set up a clean altar and place the idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.

Step 2: Light a diya and incense sticks to purify the atmosphere.

Step 3: Offer flowers, fruits, sweets, and new utensils to Goddess Lakshmi.

Step 4: Recite the Lakshmi Mantra or Dhanteras Puja Aarti.

Step 5: After the puja, distribute the prasad (offerings) among your family and neighbors.

People also pray to Lord Dhanvantari for good health and protection from diseases.

4. Yama Deepam

The Yama Deepam is a significant ritual that involves lighting a diya outside the home, facing south, to appease Yama, the god of death. This ritual is performed after sunset and is believed to protect the family from untimely death and any negative forces. Devotees light the diya near the entrance of their homes and pray for longevity and protection from harm.

5. Decorating with Diyas

In addition to the Lakshmi Puja, it is customary to light earthen lamps (diyas) on Dhanteras. The entire home is illuminated with these diyas to drive away darkness and negativity, inviting peace and positivity. It is also a symbolic gesture of welcoming Goddess Lakshmi into the house.

Health and Wellness on Dhanteras

Since Dhanteras is associated with Lord Dhanvantari, who is considered the god of Ayurveda and health, this day is also a reminder to prioritize health and wellness. Many people perform a puja for health and make offerings to ensure the physical well-being of their families. On this day, you can:

Prepare Ayurvedic Remedies: Use traditional Ayurvedic herbs and medicines to purify your body and detoxify.

Pray for Good Health: Recite mantras and prayers to Lord Dhanvantari, seeking protection from diseases and health issues.

Donate to the Needy: Offer food, clothes, or money to the less fortunate, as charity on Dhanteras is believed to multiply the blessings received.

Key Customs for a Prosperous Dhanteras

Light 13 Diyas: Lighting 13 earthen lamps on the night of Dhanteras is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring prosperity.

Chant Lakshmi Mantras: Reciting prayers and mantras dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi helps attract wealth and good fortune into your life.

Conclusion

Dhanteras 2024, with its rich traditions and rituals, is the perfect time to invite wealth, health, and prosperity into your life. By performing Lakshmi and Dhanvantari pujas, lighting diyas, and purchasing auspicious items, you align yourself with the positive energy of the festival. Don't forget to follow the Puja Timing and Trayodashi Tithi for maximum benefits. May this Dhanteras bring you abundant joy, health, and wealth!

Celebrating with faith and devotion will ensure that you receive the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari, paving the way for a prosperous and happy year ahead.

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