Dhanteras 2023: Why Do People Buy Gold And Silver On This Day?

Celebrations of Diwali usually starts with Dhanteras, which is also known as Dhantrayodashi when people across India preferably buy gold or silver in any form to celebrate the festival of prosperity and wealth. The literal meaning of "Dhan" is wealth and "Teras" means the 13th day.

This year Dhanteras will be celebrated on November 10 and Diwali on November 12. Dhanteras is observed on the Trayodashi Tithi or the13th day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Hindu calendar Ashwin.

The five day festival which starts with Dhanteras ends with bhaidooj which is a festival similar to rakhi.

This year, the shubh muhurat or the auspicious time for puja on Dhanteras is between 0620 am and 0819 and the best time to buy gold or silver is between 0235 in the afternoon to 0635 pm in the evening.

History about Dhanteras

Buying gold and silver jewellery on Dhanteras is related to the story of King Hima's son. According to popular folklore, it was forecasted that King Hima's son would die on the fourth day of his marriage and that will be caused by snake bite. To save her husband from Yamaraj, the god of death, King Hima's daughter-in-law kept a pile of jewellery and ornaments near the doorstep and lit several lamps. When Yamaraj appeared in the form of a serpent to bite King Hima's son, he was blinded by the glitter caused by the gold, silver, and brass ornaments and could not enter the room and kill Hima's son.

From there on, it is believed that buying jewellery, ornaments or new utensils made of gold, silver or brass keeps one protected from bad omen and bring good luck and prosperity. Some people also say that buying utensils on Dhanteras would guarantee a regular flow of wealth and prosperity throughout the year.

The Other Story

It is said that on this day Lord Dhanvantari, the Hindu God of medicine and Ayurveda is worshipped. Lord Dhanvantari appeared from the Ocean of Milk during Samudra Manthan or the churning of the ocean, according to the Bhagavata Purana. He held a pot of 'amrit' or nectar and a book on Ayurveda on the other.

Dhanteras 2023: Do's and Don'ts

Do's:

• Clean your house before Dhanteras as it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi does not enter in dirty and unkempt homes. Goddess Lakshmi is known as 'chanchala' or restless. She prefers a house that's perfectly clean and where the ambience is pure.
• Perform Lakshmi Puja in the evening.
• Donate some basic medical supplies to the poor. You can also donate food and sweets to the poor.
• Light lamps and diyas across your house.

Dont's:

• Avoid buying sharp objects like knives or any other pointed tool.
• Have satvik food which means vegetarian food.
• Don't lend or borrow money.
• Light all corners of your house and make sure that none of the corners are dark.
• Avoid buying iron or steel objects.