October 27, 2024: Dhanteras marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival and is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India. While the central theme of worshipping Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi, and purchasing gold or utensils remains consistent, different regions have their unique ways of observing this day. Here’s a look at how various parts of India celebrate Dhanteras:
1. North India: Buying Gold and Utensils
In states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab, Dhanteras is synonymous with buying gold, silver, or new utensils, as these are considered symbols of prosperity. People flock to markets to buy metal items, believing they bring good fortune. Homes are cleaned and decorated with rangoli, and oil lamps are lit to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.
2. Gujarat: Kali Chaudas and New Business Accounts
In Gujarat, Dhanteras is not only about wealth but also health. People worship Lord Dhanvantari, the God of Ayurveda, seeking well-being. The day is also known as ‘Kali Chaudas,’ and involves rituals to ward off evil spirits. Businessmen and shop owners also see it as an auspicious day to begin new account books, marking the start of the new financial year.
3. Maharashtra: Dhantrayodashi and Traditional Foods
In Maharashtra, Dhanteras is celebrated as ‘Dhantrayodashi.’ On this day, people purchase metal items, especially gold or silver, and prepare traditional sweets like ‘Puran Poli’ to celebrate. Families also perform a small Lakshmi Puja, praying for prosperity and happiness.
4. Tamil Nadu: Yama Deepam and Lighting Diyas
In Tamil Nadu, the day before Dhanteras is observed as ‘Yama Deepam,’ where lamps are lit to honor Yama, the God of Death, seeking protection from untimely death. People believe lighting lamps during Dhanteras will ward off evil forces. Many families also clean their homes and decorate them with traditional kolam (rangoli) designs.
5. West Bengal: Naraka Chaturdashi
In West Bengal, Dhanteras is known as ‘Naraka Chaturdashi,’ and it is observed by cleaning homes and lighting lamps. People also draw small footprints with rice flour at the entrance to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. The focus here is more on the spiritual cleansing of the home rather than just material purchases.
6. Rajasthan: Early Morning Rituals and Muhurat Shopping
In Rajasthan, Dhanteras celebrations begin early in the morning. Women of the household clean their homes and draw intricate rangoli patterns at the entrance. Families purchase new utensils, and the shopping is done at specific muhurats (auspicious timings) to maximize good fortune.
7. Odisha and Bihar: Worshipping Lord Yama
In Odisha and parts of Bihar, the focus is on performing rituals to please Lord Yama. People light oil lamps near the Tulsi plant or at the entrance of their homes and pray to ward off untimely death. This practice, called ‘Yamadeepdan,’ is observed alongside the traditional Lakshmi Puja.
Conclusion
Dhanteras is a festival that highlights the cultural diversity of India, where every region brings its unique traditions and practices to the fore. Whether it’s buying gold, worshipping deities, or lighting lamps, each custom is a way to welcome prosperity, health, and happiness. Embracing these diverse traditions makes Dhanteras a celebration of wealth and well-being across the country.
