India is a diverse country enriched with sparkling and dazzling festivals which
are celebrated and respected all over India even around the globe among the
followers of Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism one of the day, celebrated
by worshiping the Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi to bring well-being, prosperity
and wealth is Dhanteras. Dhan in traditional languages means wealth and Teras
means thirteen.
on this day people buy gold and silver ornaments along with some utensils.
This day starts with devotional hymns sung to welcome goddess Lakshmi along
with fruits and sweets. After the session of holy prayers devotes believe to
bring prosperity in their homes. So they buy gold and silver ornaments, even
utensils and consider it good omen. In the Indian Mythology, the legend says
that during “Amrit Manthan”, the churning of ocean by Gods and demons for
nectar, Dhanvantari(Physician of gods, avatar of lord Vishnu) emerged carrying a
jar of elixir on the day of Dhanteras.
Another legend indicates to an incident where a newlywed bride deceived the
God of death, yama from taking away her husband in clutches of death. The 16
year old son of Hima was predicted to die by Snake bite four days after his
wedding, in his horoscope. But on the fourth day, his newly wed wife laid out
all her ornaments, lots of gold and silver coins in a heap at the entrance of
the sleeping chamber and lit lamp all over the place. To keep her husband
awake, she narrated stories and sang song. Next day when yama arrived in the
guise of serpent, he was dazzled and blinded by the brilliance of jewellery
and damp. He could not enter the chamber and sat on the heap of ornaments and
coins the entire night listening stories and songs and eventually went away in
the morning. The prince was saved by cleverness of new bride and this day is
said to be celebrated as Dhanteras.
Dhanteras is celebrated all around the globe by enchanting prayers, lighting
lamps, drawing Rangoly designs at the doorstep including the Godden footprints
to mark the arrival of Lakshmi made out from rice flow and vermillion powder.
Diyas and Lamps are lit to drive away the evil shadows.
In Maharashtra, coriander seeds are pound dry with jiggery and are offered
as naivedya.
In some villages, cows are worshiped and adorned by farmers as they form
the main source of income. Cows are offered a special veneration because they
are thought of incarnation of Lakshmi.
This year Dhanteras festival is coming on 21 October.
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