Dhanteras 2023: Date, history, significance, city-wise puja timings
Delhi: The Festival of Lights has arrived, and Dhanteras is celebrated across the country with great enthusiasm. Diwali is just around the corner, and the excitement is palpable. It’s that time of the year when everyone adorns themselves in new attire, and homes and streets come alive with vibrant colors and the glow of lights. People exchange Diwali gifts with their loved ones and immerse themselves in the spirit of celebration. Dhanteras serves as the commencement of the Diwali festivities. On this special day, people offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera, seeking their blessings for prosperity and wealth in their lives.
Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in India and by the Indian diaspora around the world. It marks the first day of the five-day Diwali festival and holds a special place in the hearts of people as it is a day dedicated to the worship of wealth and prosperity.
The word “Dhanteras” is a combination of two words: “Dhan” meaning wealth, and “Teras” meaning the thirteenth day of the lunar fortnight. Dhanteras typically falls on the 13th day of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the Hindu month of Kartik, which usually falls in October or November.
Legend has it that Dhanteras is associated with several stories from Hindu mythology. One of the most famous stories tells of the divine churning of the ocean, or Samudra Manthan, during which Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean holding a pot of gold and wealth. Another story connects Dhanteras with the tale of King Hima’s young son, who was destined to die on the fourth day of his marriage due to a snakebite. However, his clever wife laid out all her ornaments and gold coins in a heap, sang songs and told stories to keep him awake throughout the night. When the God of Death, Yama, arrived in the form of a serpent, he was blinded by the brilliance of the gold and left without taking her husband’s life. Thus, the day is celebrated for the triumph of light and wealth over darkness and death.
In addition to the religious significance, Dhanteras also provides an opportunity for families to come together, exchange gifts, and celebrate their prosperity. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and setting new financial goals for the upcoming year.
Dhanteras serves as a reminder of the importance of wealth and prosperity in one’s life and the need to manage and share it responsibly. It encourages people to appreciate the material blessings they have and to strive for financial well-being while also fostering a sense of community and togetherness. As the first day of the Diwali festivities, Dhanteras sets the tone for a joyous and spiritually fulfilling season of celebration and merriment.
Dhanteras city-wise puja timings:
Kolkata: 05:13 PM to 07:11 PM
Mumbai: 06:20 PM to 08:20 PM
Bengaluru: 06:10 PM to 08:13 PM
Chennai: 06:00 PM to 08:02 PM
New Delhi: 05:47 PM to 07:43 PM
Pune: 06:17 PM to 08:17 PM
Ahmedabad: 06:15 PM to 08:13 PM
Chandigarh: 05:45 PM to 07:39 PM
Gurgaon: 05:48 PM to 07:44 PM
Hyderabad: 06:00 PM to 08:01 PM
