Dhanteras 2020: Here's How To Celebrate This Day And 5 Things To Keep In Mind Before Buying Items

Diwali celebrations begin with the auspicious day of Dhanteras. On this day most people purchase items to ward off bad luck. Here's how the day is celebrated.

Image (PTI Photo/Swapan Mahapatra)

Dhanteras 2020: Dhantrayodashi or Dhanteras marks the beginning of the Diwali festivities in India. The day falls on the 13^th day of the Krishna Paksha of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik. While in some places it was celebrated on November 12th, in most places it will be celebrated on November 13. According to Hindu Mythology, on this day while the churning of the ocean (Sagar Manthan) Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth), Kuber (God of Wealth), and Lord Dhanvantri (God of Ayurveda) emerged from the oceans It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits the homes of her devotees and fulfills their wishes on Dhanteras. The festival also marks the worship Yamraj (Lord of deaths) and Lord Dhanvantari who is considered as the Vaidya of Gods. The day is celebrated with fasting, prayers, and purchasing items made of pure metal to bring luck. Here are things that are done on Dhanteras

• People light diyas and special Yama Deepam' outside homes to ward off the god of death, Yamaraj on the Trayodashi Tithi, and bad luck.
• Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped on this day. For the prayers, seven grains are placed in front of Goddess Lakshmi's deity or a photo.
• Some people also observe a day-long fast. At the end, Panchamrit which is a mix of honey, milk, yoghurt, ghee, and sugar is offered to gods. The fast is broken with this prasad
• People also decorate their houses with beautiful rangolis and lights
• People also buy gold, silver, and utensils, as they believe that new wealth or some items made of precious metal would earn good luck.

In case you are planning to purchase some items keep these things in mind

• It is generally considered auspicious to buy utensils on Dhanteras. But avoiding steel will be a good idea as Rahu has more influence on it. Similarly, Aluminium and plastic should also be avoided.
• Some people believe that it is not good to purchase a car on Dhateras since it not made of pure metal but alloys
• Certain colours such black should also be avoided
• Even in case oil or ghee is bought then it has to be ensured that it is unadulterated
• Avoid buying sharp objects such as knives on this day