Diwali is one of the biggest festivals of Hindu. It is a five day festival. Diwali starts with the festival of Dhanteras. Dhanteras is celebrated on the 13th day of Kartik month. It symbolizes the start of Diwali. Let us look at the significance of Dhanteras and rituals to be performed.
Significance of Dhanteras
On Dhanteras, the vaidya(physician) of gods, Dhanvantri appeared from the Samudra Manthan. He was carrying the Amrit Kalash in his hands. That is why, Dhanteras is also called ‘Dhanvantri Jayanti‘.
Also, during Samudra Manthan, Goddess Laxmi came out of the ocean on this day, that is why we buy precious items and utensils. It symbolizes the welcome of Goddess Lakshmi to our house.
Rituals performed on Dhanteras
On Dhanteras, people clean their houses. They whitewash their houses and shops. New utensils, jewelry and clothes are bought. Fairs are organized at various places, which are visited by hundreds of people to enjoy.
On this day after dinner, Lord Yamadeep is worshipped. A four sided diya is lighted. A ‘Kodi’ is kept in it. It is worshipped with water, kumkum, mauli ,flowers, fruit, gur and dakshina. Then the diya is kept out of house. In the morning, the kodi is kept and diya is thrown.
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