Dhanteras (Dhantrayodashi)

The first day of the Diwali celebration in India is known as Dhanteras (Hindi: ), also known as Dhanatrayodashi (Sanskrit: ). On the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the Hindi calendar month of Ashvin, it is commemorated. Dhanvantari, who is also worshipped on Dhanteras, is an Ayurvedic God who taught the teachings of Ayurveda for the welfare of mankind and to aid in the eradication of illness suffering. The Indian Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy has declared Dhanteras as the "National Ayurveda Day," which will be commemorated for the first time on October 28, 2016. Traditionally, Gujarati households will ring in the new year with a feast of daal baath and malpura.


On this day, the goddess of prosperity Lakshmi and the deity of wisdom Ganesha are honoured according to Indian tradition. According to tradition, Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean of milk during the churning of the sea, also known as "Samundra Manthan," on Dhantrayodashi.


Significance

During the churning of the sea on Dhantrayodashi, Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean of milk. As a result, Goddess Lakshmi is honoured on Trayodashi.

According to tradition, on the day of Dhanteras, when the devas and asuras conducted the Samudra manthan (ocean churning) seeking Amrita (the heavenly nectar of immortality), Dhanvantari (the Gods' physician and an avatar of Vishnu) emerged bearing a jar of the elixir.

Deity

Goddess Lakshmi

Ritual (pooja, vrat etc.)

The event is commemorated by the Lakshmi Puja, which is done in the evenings with the lighting of clay lamps (Diyas). Bhajans, or devotional songs in honour of Goddess Lakshmi, are sung, and the Goddess is given Naivedhya, or traditional sweets. People in Maharashtra have an unusual tradition of softly pounding dried coriander seeds (Dhane in Marathi, for Dhanatrayodashi) with jaggery (cane sugar) and offering the combination as Naivedhya.

People make rose and marigold offerings, as well as ghee diya, dhoop, incense, camphor, and other items, to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh for prosperity, knowledge, and well-being, after sunset. Mantras, devotional songs, and arti are chanted for the god.

Celebrations

Dhanteras is an important Hindu holiday, and mythical traditions hold that Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean of milk during the Samudra Manthan, or the churning of the sea, on Dhanteras or Dhantrayodashi.

It is thought that Lord Vishnu's hidden energy pours via Goddess Lakshmi's Surya Nadi, or right channel of the Kundalini, on this auspicious day, activating this channel. That is why the Sun's beams are full of "Tej-Tatva," or the fire element, which spreads across the universe shining with dazzling golden particles on this day. The chaitanya of Goddess Lakshmi is said to be present in these golden particles, which fill individuals with riches and opulence. Goddess Lakshmi is adored with spiritual passion, and Kuber, the Lord of Wealth, enters our lives on Earth, while Lord Ganesha takes care of removing all impediments.Goddess Lakshmi, Kuber, and Lord Ganesha, the creator of riches and the distributer of prosperity, are all adored with devotion, making people affluent.

Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, is a two-day celebration before Diwali, the festival of lights. The importance of this first day, known as Dhanteras, is mostly seen in North India, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. However, effective marketing by most firms, along with lucrative Dhanteras deals, has helped to popularise the event across the rest of India. The crowds in front of the kitchenware and jewellery stores are insane. This day is devoted to the deity of medicine, Dhanvantari. There are no precise guidelines on how to commemorate this day other than the belief that purchasing gold coins, gold/silver jewellery, and utensils is auspicious. The ceremonies differ from one location to the next.

How to celebrate (including dishes etc.)

People usually fix their homes, clean them thoroughly, and beautify them both inside and out. Rangolis, light candles, and diyas are also available. People often set up the Goddess Lakshmi's footprints to bring money and success to their homes. People make rose and marigold offerings, as well as ghee diya, dhoop, incense, camphor, and other items, to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh for prosperity, knowledge, and well-being, after sunset. Mantras, devotional songs, and arti are chanted for the god.

Celebration in different regions/countries including Regional Variance

On the eve of Naraka Chaturdasi, which is DhanvantriTrayodashi, Brahmin women in South India (particularly Tamil Nadu) manufacture 'Marundhu,' which translates as'medicine.' On Naraka Chaturdasi, before daybreak, the Marundhu is offered during the prayer and consumed. Many families pass along their Marundhu recipes to their daughters and daughters-in-law. The Marundhu is taken to correct tridosha imbalances in the body.

Gifts

Gold And Silver Gifts

Date & Time

On the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the Hindi calendar month of Ashvin, it is commemorated.


Public Holidays (Y/N and where)


Yes