Dhanteras 2024: When and How to Celebrate This Auspicious Festival

Celebrate Dhanteras 2024 Prosperity and Health: Know the Date, Puja Timings, and Rituals for Dhanteras 2024

As Diwali approaches, the festivities start with Dhanteras, a day of immense importance in Hindu culture, celebrated to bring prosperity, wealth, and good health. This year, Dhanteras falls with a unique significance as it spans over two days. From the timing to the worship rituals, here’s everything you need to make the most of this auspicious occasion.

When is Dhanteras 2024?

Dhanteras 2024 will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 29th, marking the start of the Diwali season. The festival traditionally falls on the Trayodashi (13th day) of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik. The Trayodashi Tithi this year begins at 10:31 am on October 29 and ends at 1:15 pm on October 30. Since Dhanteras Puja is observed in the evening, the primary celebration and rituals will take place on October 29, 2024.

Significance of Dhanteras

Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, is a festival that centers on Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health, and Lord Kuber, the treasurer of wealth. Families worship these deities to invite prosperity and health into their lives. It is customary to buy precious metals like gold or silver on this day, symbolizing the hope for good fortune.

Auspicious Time for Dhanteras Puja (Shubh Muhurat)

For those observing Dhanteras, performing rituals during the Shubh Muhurat is believed to maximize blessings. This year, the best time to conduct the Puja is from:

• 6:31 pm to 8:13 pm on Tuesday, October 29, 2024.

By following this timing, devotees believe that the blessings of health, prosperity, and happiness will be most abundant.

The Dhanteras Bhog Recipe: Makhana Kheer

On Dhanteras, devotees often prepare a special offering (Bhog) to seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber. One of the traditional dishes made as Bhog is Makhana (puffed lotus seeds) Kheer. This simple yet delightful dessert is believed to please the deities and bring good fortune to the family.

Recipe for Makhana Kheer

• Ingredients: Makhana (puffed lotus seeds), milk, sugar, dry fruits (like almonds and cashews), and a pinch of cardamom powder.
• Preparation:
  1. Roast the makhana in a small amount of ghee until they turn light golden.
  2. Heat the milk in a pot until it starts to thicken, then add sugar and cardamom powder.
  3. Add the roasted makhana to the milk and cook until the kheer reaches a creamy consistency.
  4. Garnish with dry fruits and serve as Bhog to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber.

This Bhog not only signifies devotion but also embodies the spirit of prosperity and happiness that Dhanteras brings.

Step-by-Step Dhanteras Puja Vidhi (Worship Method)

To perform the Dhanteras Puja in alignment with tradition, follow these steps to honor Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kuber, and Lord Dhanvantari:

1. Setting Up: Begin by setting up the idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kuber, and Lord Dhanvantari on a clean altar or designated worship space.
2. Lighting the Lamp: Light a lamp with ghee and place it in front of the deities, symbolizing the light of knowledge and prosperity.
3. Offering Fruits and Flowers: Offer fresh flowers and fruits, symbolizing your respect and gratitude.
4. Offering Bhog: Place the prepared Makhana Kheer as Bhog to the deities.
5. Chanting: Recite the mantra “Om Hreem Kuberay Namah” with devotion, invoking blessings for wealth and prosperity.
6. Aarti: Conclude the Puja with Aarti, circling the lamp in front of the deities and praying for health, wealth, and happiness.

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FAQs

Q1: Can I celebrate Dhanteras on October 30, or is October 29 the only date?

Answer: This year, Dhanteras falls over two days as the Trayodashi Tithi spans October 29 and 30. However, as per tradition, the main rituals are performed on the evening of October 29.

Q2: What should I buy on Dhanteras to bring prosperity?

Answer: Common purchases on Dhanteras include gold, silver, and new utensils. These symbolize wealth and prosperity. Many also buy Lakshmi idols, Kuber coins, or other precious metals to invoke blessings for financial stability and success.

Dhanteras is an ideal time to reflect on prosperity, health, and happiness, and by celebrating in the traditional manner, devotees connect with the divine and open doors to abundance and joy in their lives.