Dhanteras, the first day of the five-day Diwali festival, is a time of great joy, wealth, and prosperity. This auspicious occasion marks the beginning of Diwali festivities when families come together to perform rituals that invite abundance and success into their lives. One of the most important aspects of Dhanteras is the Pooja Vidhi, the ceremonial worship of Lord Dhanvantari, Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi. The day is celebrated fervently, as people light up their homes, buy precious metals, and prepare for the grand Diwali celebration. Let’s dive into the details of Dhanteras Pooja Vidhi and understand how to celebrate this auspicious day with the right rituals and customs.
Dhanteras Gifts and Celebrations
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Another important tradition on this day is exchanging Dhanteras gifts with loved ones. People often gift gold or silver coins, idols, and utensils to symbolise good luck and prosperity. Additionally, hampers with sweets, dry fruits, and decorative items make for thoughtful gifts during the festive season.
Preparing for Dhanteras Pooja
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Preparations for Dhanteras start early in the day. Homes are cleaned thoroughly, as it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, only blesses clean and pure houses. Rangoli designs are drawn at the entrance, using vibrant colours to invite positive energy and prosperity. Also, it is customary to buy precious items like gold, silver, or utensils on Dhanteras. This tradition stems from the belief that these purchases represent inviting wealth into the household. Many people also invest in new clothes and household items to symbolise new beginnings.
Setting Up the Pooja Area
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The place where the Dhanteras Pooja is performed should be prepared with great care. Start by placing a clean cloth on a raised platform or table, which will serve as the altar. On this altar, arrange idols of Lord Ganesha; the remover of obstacles and harbinger of good fortune, to ensure the pooja is blessed with wisdom, prosperity, and success; Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health and Ayurveda; Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth; Lord Kubera, the god of riches, to invite financial stability.
The Pooja items needed include:
- A Kalash (a copper or brass vessel filled with water, adorned with mango leaves and a coconut on top)
- Diyas (earthen lamps)
- Sweets, fruits, flowers, rice, and betel leaves
- Incense sticks, camphor, and sandalwood paste
- Coins made of silver or gold, as they symbolise wealth
The Dhanteras Pooja Vidhi
Once all the preparations are done, it’s time to begin the Dhanteras Pooja Vidhi in the evening, preferably during Pradosh Kaal, the most auspicious time for the ritual.
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- Invoke the Deities: Start the Pooja by invoking Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Light the diyas and offer flowers, sweets, and fruits. Then, worship Lord Dhanvantari by offering turmeric, vermilion, rice, and water, followed by chanting mantras dedicated to him.
- Offer Prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Kubera: Next, worship Goddess Lakshmi by offering flowers, kumkum, and sweets. You can also recite the Lakshmi Chalisa or other hymns to seek her blessings for wealth and prosperity. Offer similar prayers to Lord Kubera for financial well-being.
- Dhanvantari Mantra Chanting: Chanting the Dhanvantari Mantra is an essential part of the Pooja. The mantra is believed to bring good health and dispel illnesses, ensuring a healthy life for the entire family.
- Light Diyas: After the Pooja, light the earthen lamps and place them at various spots around the house, especially at the entrance, to ward off evil spirits. The lighting of diyas symbolises the victory of light over darkness and invites divine blessings into the home.
- Aarti and Offerings: Conclude the Pooja with an aarti. Offer sweets, which can be purchased or prepared at home, to the deities. You can also look for options to order sweets online, ensuring that you have a variety of delicious offerings to share with your family and neighbours.
After the Pooja, families come together to enjoy a festive meal and share sweets as part of the celebration. It’s also a time to reflect on the year gone by and give thanks for the abundance in life.
As a whole, this festive season, as you clean your homes, buy precious metals, and perform sacred rituals, take a moment to truly embrace the spirit of gratitude and joy that Dhanteras brings.
