Dhanteras: Seven Rituals for Attracting Prosperity

Dhanteras: 7 Rituals for Attracting Prosperity

Starting today, we are stepping into the most festive time of the year! While I’ve never been a huge fan of Holi, I eagerly anticipated this season as a child, especially when the weather began to shift to that delightful mild chill in India.

 Dhanatrayodashi is a joyful Hindu festival celebrated just two days before Diwali. It kicks off the five-day Diwali celebrations and is all about welcoming wealth, prosperity, and good health! The name “Dhanteras” comes from “Dhan,” which means wealth, and “Teras,” representing the thirteenth day of the Hindu lunar calendar.

On this special day, families honor Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Lord Dhanvantari the god of health and Ayurveda. Many folks love to buy gold, silver, or shiny new utensils, believing these treasures will bring them good luck and prosperity in the year ahead. Plus, it’s common to light a Yamadeep, a little lamp placed at the entrance of the home, to invite positive energy and blessings while keeping negativity at bay. I personally think that the Dhanteras is a wonderful opportunity to attract good vibes and kick off the Diwali festivities on a bright and happy note!

Here are seven of the best and easiest rituals for Dhanteras that are commonly passed down through my family line and generations:

1. A Wealth + Well-being Combo: By worshiping both Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari, people are wishing for both riches and good health—a beautiful balance! This can be as simple as lighting an extra diya in his honor or reciting prayers for the family’s health.

2. Investors Day: Dhanteras is traditionally considered the best day to invest in something valuable. Many people buy new tools or make important purchases to ensure a successful year.

3. Buying Fortune: While gold is popular, many also buy iron or brass utensils, and salt (which symbolizes good fortune), and start prepping for the delicious Diwali meals!

4. Lighting the Yamadeep: A unique tradition on Dhanteras involves lighting a Yamadeep, an oil lamp placed outside the home, facing south. This lamp is dedicated to Yama, the god of death, and is believed to protect the family from negativity and bad luck.

5. Donating to Those in Need: Giving to those in need on Dhanteras is a lovely way to invite blessings into your life. Donations can include food, money, clothes, or items for Diwali. Sharing is said to multiply your blessings and bring you spiritual wealth.

6. Planting a Tulsi (Holy Basil) Plant: Planting a Tulsi plant on Dhanteras is considered very auspicious. This cherished plant symbolizes purity and well-being, and taking care of it is thought to bring blessings and good fortune.

7. New Brooms: Buying and using a new broom on Dhanteras is a lesser-known ritual. It is believed to sweep away negativity and invite prosperity into the home. The act symbolizes removing unwanted energy and making space for abundance.

I would love to hear about the rituals that have been passed down in your family! Do you have any special traditions that make your Dhanteras celebration unique? Please spill the beans!

Wishing all my readers a very happy Dhanteras filled with love, prosperity, and endless blessings. May this auspicious occasion bring you and your family all the joy and abundance you deserve!

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If you're looking to dive deeper into Diwali rituals and customs, be sure to check out my other articles:

https://shikhasrivastava.blogspot.com/2023/11/diwali-gift-etiquette-7-gifts-to-avoid.html

https://shikhasrivastava.blogspot.com/2023/11/prosperity-on-plate-5-diwali-foods-for.html

https://shikhasrivastava.blogspot.com/2023/11/8-most-auspicious-diwali-gifting.html