Dhanteras 2023: Symbolic Significance Of Buying Brooms — Here's How Many You Can Buy On Dhantrayodashi

Dhanteras is also observed as Dhanwantari Triodasi or Dhanvantri Jayanti, commemorating the birth anniversary of the God of Ayurveda, Lord Dhanvantari.

Image used for representational purposes only.

Source : Getty Images

As the eagerly awaited festival of Diwali approaches, Hindus across the world prepare for a five-day celebration filled with tradition, spirituality, and festivity. Commencing the festivities, Dhanteras, scheduled for Friday, November 10, marks the first day of the Diwali extravaganza. On this auspicious day, devotees invoke blessings from deities like Lord Ganesha, Lord Kubera, Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity, and Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda, for good health.

Dhanteras celebrated on the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) of the Hindu month Kartika, is a day when households resonate with the clinking of gold and silver ornaments, utensils, and other auspicious purchases. Yet, amidst this grandeur, a rather unique tradition persists: buying brooms on Dhanteras. This raises an intriguing question - why do we buy brooms on Dhanteras, and what significance does this practice hold?

In the tapestry of Hindu mythology, Dhanteras is closely associated with the divine emergence of God Vishnu from the 'churning of the seas' in the form of God Dhanvantari, carrying the elixir of 'Amrit'. This significant day is traditionally linked with invoking blessings and wealth from Goddess Lakshmi.

The Dhanteras tradition of purchasing brooms has a special place in this grand celebration. But why are brooms used? Bringing a broom home on Dhanteras represents the act of keeping Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, in one's abode, according to Hindu beliefs. Brooms are essential tools for maintaining cleanliness, and it is this virtue that attracts the goddess's blessings.

The Significance of Brooms on Diwali:

1. Symbol of Goddess Lakshmi: In Hindu mythology, the broom is considered a symbol of Goddess Lakshmi. Acquiring a broom on Dhanteras is believed to please the goddess and invite her divine blessings into one's home.

2. Cleansing Negativity: Brooms are closely associated with the notions of purity and cleanliness. Purchasing a broom on Dhanteras is believed to symbolize the sweeping away of negativity and bad luck from one's dwelling, making way for fresh beginnings.

3. Financial Prosperity: This unique tradition is also believed to dispel bad debts and financial problems, ushering in financial stability and prosperity.

4. Enhanced Well-Being: Some believe that buying a broom on Dhanteras can contribute to improved health and well-being, reflecting the holistic nature of this ancient tradition.

The Divine Essence of Dhanteras:

Dhanteras, often referred to as Dhan Trayodashi, marks the commencement of Diwali celebrations in several parts of India. It is celebrated on the Trayodashi Tithi, Krishna Paksha of the Kartik month, the thirteenth day of the waning phase of the lunar fortnight in the Hindu month of Kartik, according to the Purnimant calendar.

Interestingly, Dhanteras is also observed as Dhanwantari Triodasi or Dhanvantri Jayanti, commemorating the birth anniversary of the God of Ayurveda, Lord Dhanvantari. This celebration is a homage to Lord Dhanvantari, who is believed to have imparted the knowledge of Ayurveda to humanity, offering solace from the burdens of illness.

It's worth noting that the Ministry of AYUSH officially designates Dhanteras as "National Ayurveda Day," reinforcing the deep-rooted connection between this auspicious occasion and the principles of Ayurveda.

As we prepare for Dhanteras 2023, the tradition of buying brooms on this day exemplifies the rich tapestry of Hindu culture, intertwining spirituality, symbolism, and practicality in a unique and meaningful way.