Dhanteras 2024: Diwali festivities to kick off with celebration of prosperity

With Diwali around the corner, preparations are in full swing and excitement fills the air. While this year, the festival of lights falls on October 31, its celebrations will kick off on October 29 with Dhanteras. Celebrated on the 13th lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Ashwin, Dhanteras is the festival of prosperity and good fortune.

It’s festivities traditionally include the purchase of gold, silver, vehicles and utensils; as well as the lighting of diyas at homes to ward off negativity. The occasion is considered auspicious for seeking the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, and is thus marked by the performance of Lakshmi Pujan in the evening.

The puja begins by honouring Lord Ganesha, followed by invoking the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi with her mantra. Flowers, sweets and fruits are offered to the deities as a gesture of devotion. It is also traditional to draw footprints leading into the house, symbolising the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi.

Dhanteras has deep mythological significance. It commemorates the day when Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean during the legendary churning of the ocean, known as ‘Samundra Manthan’. Additionally, it is believed that Lord Dhanvantari, the god of medicine, appeared with the ‘amrit’, the nectar of immortality.

Dhanteras celebrations are followed by Naraka Chaturdashi, which falls on October 31 this year. The day celebrates the killing of the demon Narak, symbolising the triumph of good over evil with rituals like oil baths.

The main celebration, Diwali, honours Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya with oil lamps, firecrackers, rangolis and prayers to Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity.

Govardhan Puja, celebrated on the fourth day of Diwali commemorates Lord Krishna’s protection of Mathura villagers from the fury of Indra by lifting the Govardhan Hill. People often prepare large food offerings and worship cows in rural areas. The festivities conclude with Bhai Dooj on the fifth day of Diwali, where sisters pray for their brothers’ longevity, celebrating sibling bonds through performance of ceremonial ‘tikka’ by sisters on their brothers’ foreheads.