Dhanteras 2024: Why it's celebrated two days before Diwali?

Dhanteras, marking the start of the Diwali festival, will be celebrated on October 29, Tuesday. On this day, people worship Lord Dhanvantari, the God of Ayurveda, and Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. The term 'Dhan' means wealth, and 'Teras' refers to the thirteenth day of the lunar month. This day is considered auspicious for buying gold, silver, utensils, and electronics to welcome Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera, both symbols of wealth in Hindu mythology. It is also believed that making significant purchases on Dhanteras brings good luck in financial matters.

Dhanteras 2024: Why is Dhanteras celebrated?

Dhanteras is celebrated for various reasons rooted in Hindu mythology and tradition:

Worship of Lord Dhanvantari: Lord Dhanvantari is revered as the god of health and Ayurveda. He is believed to have emerged from the ocean with a pot of amrita (elixir) during the churning of the milky ocean, known as Samudra Manthan.


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Arrival of Goddess Lakshmi: The day marks the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi, who is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity to devotees.

Auspicious Beginnings: Dhanteras signifies the commencement of Diwali celebrations, viewed as a favorable time for new beginnings, investments, and purchasing valuable items.

Honouring Wealth and Prosperity: The festival honors Lord Kubera, the god of wealth, alongside Goddess Lakshmi, emphasizing the importance of wealth in life.

Purification and Cleansing: Dhanteras is also linked to the purification of homes, minds, and souls, preparing for the joy and illumination of Diwali.

What is Dhanteras: Historical Context and Stories

Dhanteras, celebrated on Dhanatrayodashi, holds great significance in Hindu mythology. During the Samudra Manthana, the gods and demons churned the ocean of milk in search of the amrit, or nectar of immortality. From this churning, Goddess Lakshmi, the embodiment of wealth and prosperity, and Lord Kubera, the god of wealth, emerged alongside Lord Dhanvantari, who brought forth a pot of amrit, symbolizing health and well-being. Devotees honor these deities during Dhanteras with reverence.

Another well-known legend involves the sixteen-year-old son of King Hima, whose horoscope predicted he would die from a snakebite on the fourth day of his marriage. To protect him, his clever bride devised a plan. She placed gold and silver coins at the entrance of their sleeping chamber and lit lamps to create a dazzling display.

As night fell, she sang enchanting songs and shared stories to keep her husband awake and Yama, the god of death, at bay. When Yama arrived in disguise as a serpent, the brilliance of the lamps and jewelry blinded him, preventing his entry.

Instead, Yama climbed onto the heaps of coins and listened to the bride's mesmerizing tales and melodies. Captivated, he remained there until dawn, sparing the prince's life. As the sun rose, Yama silently departed, leaving the couple safe.

Dhanteras thus combines elements of devotion, cultural practices, and legendary tales, making it an essential part of Diwali celebrations for millions.

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Who is Lord Dhanvantri?

Lord Dhanvantari is a significant figure in Hinduism, revered as the God of Ayurveda and medicine. He emerged during the Samudra Manthan, or churning of the ocean, which is a crucial event in Hindu mythology. Devotees celebrate his contribution to healing and health, particularly during Dhanvantari Jayanti, which falls on Dhanteras, two days before Diwali.

According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Dhanvantari appeared during the Samudra Manthan. He is depicted with four arms, holding a pot of amrit (nectar), divine herbs for medical treatment, and sacred texts. In some representations, he resembles Lord Vishnu, holding a conch and discus.