Dhanteras: What to Buy and How to Do the Puja
Dhanteras opens the Diwali days. It is about health and prosperity together. Here is what it means, what families buy, and a simple evening puja.
What Dhanteras is about
"Dhan" means wealth and "teras" means the thirteenth day. The day is dedicated to Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods, and to Lakshmi and Kubera. The idea is that health is the first wealth, and money comes after. That is why many people clean the home and their tools and begin the festival with gratitude.
What people traditionally buy
- A new steel or brass utensil, or a small silver item
- A silver or gold coin, if it fits your budget
- New diyas, a broom, or something the home needs
The point is the intention, not the amount. Many families buy something small and useful. Please do not take a loan or spend beyond your means for a festival. Nothing in the tradition asks for that.
A simple evening puja
- Clean the puja corner and set a chowki with a clean cloth.
- Place a picture or murti of Lakshmi, Ganesh and Dhanvantari if you have them, and the new item you bought.
- Light a ghee diya, offer flowers, roli, rice and sweets, and chant a simple mantra.
- Do an aarti and offer prasad.
The diya for Yama
A custom in many homes is to light a small diya at the door or outside in the evening, facing south, as a prayer for the long life and safety of the family. This is often called the Yama Deepam.
Check the timing
The best hours for buying and puja change by city. Look at today's panchang and choose a good choghadiya. When you are ready for the main festival, see the Lakshmi Puja guide and the post on Lakshmi Puja at home.