Punjab Newsline | New Delhi

Dhanteras marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival. Worshipping Lord Dhanvantari for good health and longevity, and buying gold, silver, brass utensils, brooms and whole coriander are among the popular traditions associated with the occasion.

Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, holds special religious significance in Hinduism. The festival marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali celebrations and is considered an auspicious occasion for worshipping Lord Dhanvantari, the deity associated with health and Ayurveda, and Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.

Worship of Lord Dhanvantari for Good Health

According to religious beliefs, worshipping Lord Dhanvantari on Dhanteras brings good health, well-being and longevity. Devotees offer prayers and chant the following mantra while seeking blessings for a healthy and prosperous life:

"Om Namo Bhagavate Dhanvantaraye Vishnuroopaya Namo Namah."

Why Is Buying a Broom Considered Auspicious?

Buying a broom on Dhanteras is an age-old religious tradition. According to popular beliefs, bringing a new broom home on this day is associated with the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi and the removal of negativity.

Since Goddess Lakshmi is believed to favour cleanliness, the broom symbolises the removal of dirt, negativity and financial difficulties. Traditionally, people are advised to purchase an odd number of brooms, such as one, three or five.

Gold, Silver and Utensils: What Should You Buy?

Shopping is one of the major highlights of Dhanteras. Traditionally, people purchase gold and silver jewellery, coins and brass utensils, believing that buying precious metals on this day brings prosperity and good fortune.

Apart from gold, silver and utensils, buying a broom and whole coriander seeds is also considered auspicious in several Hindu traditions.

Things You Should Avoid Buying on Dhanteras

While certain purchases are considered favourable, some items are traditionally avoided on Dhanteras due to religious beliefs.

These include:

  • Glass items: Traditionally considered inauspicious.

  • Aluminium products: Avoided in some religious traditions.

  • Iron objects: Traditionally believed to be unsuitable for Dhanteras purchases.

  • China clay or ceramic items: Also avoided by many people.

These practices are rooted in traditional beliefs and customs, and their observance varies across families and regions.