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Dhanteras is the commemorating day for the celebrations of the Diwali. The thirteenth day of the month of Karthika, Dhanteras falls two days prior to the festival of Diwali. Another name for the festival is 'Dhan Tryodashi'. While 'Dhan' is the Sanskrit word for Wealth, 'Trayodashi' means the thirteenth day. The name itself justifies it's occurrence time period. The festival has a great importance for the people belonging to upper middle class business community in India and, especially in Western India.
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The decorations for Dhanteras are very traditional. They include drawing Rangoli at the entrance door of the house. Generally, the Rangoli design consists of small foot prints of Goddess Lakshmi coming towards the home. This indicates towards the homecoming of long awaited wealth, health and success.
The jubilations of Dhanteras are no less grand than the jubilations of Diwali. The day is considered extremely auspicious to buy gold or silver items. Sometimes, if their budget does not support buying expensive items, then they usually go for stainless steel items like utensils. Buying such things on the holy day of Dhanteras is a part of the ceremony. It is believed to bring more and more prosperity and wealth to home. Pujas are arranged at grand levels at temples in the evening during a fixed time period. The whole atmosphere is full of religious spirit and every body seems to be engrossed in singing devotional sings and dancing to it's tunes.
Those who perform puja at home clean the puja room first and then place the idol of Goddess Lakshmi with great devotion. After giving the idol a bath with panchamitra, tiny diyas are lit before the deity. Bhajans and artis (devotional songs) are sung in praise of Goddess Lakshmi and prayers are offered so as to invoke her blessings. Naivedya, a traditional sweet is first offered to the idol and then distributed among the family and friends. All worship their respective source of income in the same manner. For instance, farmers honor their farmland and cattle.
Read about the interesting legendary stories behind the festival of Dhanteras in other part of teh section.
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