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Dhanteras 2024: As per mythological lore, Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the churning ocean holding a pot of ‘amrit’ on this day
According to the Hindu calendar, Dhanteras will be celebrated on October 29 this year. (Network18 Creative)
Dhanteras holds special significance in Hindu families as it marks the beginning of the six-day-long Diwali festival. This day is considered highly auspicious for acquiring new and special items for the home and family. People often purchase items like brooms, steel utensils, gold, silver, cars, and even property on Dhanteras.
According to the Hindu calendar, Dhanteras will be celebrated on October 29 this year. Traditionally, devotees worship Lord Dhanvantari, the deity of Ayurveda, on this day to invoke good health for their loved ones. Most families buy new utensils on Dhanteras.
Ayodhya-based astrologer Neeraj explains why Dhanteras is considered auspicious for buying utensils.
As per mythological lore, Lord Dhanvantari, holding a pot brimming with amrit (the elixir of immortality), emerged from the ocean during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean). This event is believed to be the origin of the tradition of buying utensils on Dhanteras.
“On this day, people buy utensils, new vehicles, property, gold and silver. According to religious texts, Lord Dhanvantari appeared from the sea on this day, carrying a pot of nectar in his hand. This is why people also buy utensils on this day,” says Neeraj.
He suggests that performing certain rituals on Dhanteras can ensure happiness and prosperity in one’s life. He emphasises the significance of offering coriander seeds to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari.
“Buying coriander on Dhanteras and offering it to Goddess Lakshmi helps in fulfilling every wish. Before the Diwali Puja, put a coin in a silver vessel and place coriander on it, and worship it. The day after Diwali, sow the coriander seeds in a pot, tie the remaining coriander in a red cloth and keep it in a safe place. Doing so brings the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.”