The Significance of Dhanteras: Celebrating Prosperity and Wealth

Dhanteras is a significant festival in Hindu mythology that falls on the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Kartik (October-November). It is celebrated two days before the festival of lights, Diwali, and is a day to worship Lord Yama, the god of death, to ensure prosperity and well-being. The festival is also a celebration of wealth, with people buying gold or silver jewelry or utensils to venerate the occasion. According to legend, the festival is associated with the cleverness of a young bride who saved her husband from death by snake-bite on their fourth day of marriage. The festival is also known as 'Yamadeepdaan,' with women lighting earthen lamps or 'deep' to glorify Yama, the god of Death.

Key Takeaways:

• Dhanteras is celebrated to worship Lord Yama, the god of death, to ensure prosperity and well-being.
• The festival is also a celebration of wealth, with people buying gold or silver jewelry or utensils.
• The legend behind the festival is associated with the story of a young bride who saved her husband from death by snake-bite.
• The festival is also known as 'Yamadeepdaan,' with women lighting earthen lamps or 'deep' to glorify Yama, the god of Death.
• According to another legend, the word Dhanteras comes from the name Dhanavantri, the divine doctor, who emerged carrying a pot of divine nectar during the cosmic battle between the gods and the demons.
• People flock to jewelers to buy gold or silver items on this occasion.
• The festival is celebrated two days before Diwali.

Statistics:

• Dhanteras falls on the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Kartik (October-November).
• The festival is celebrated two days before Diwali.
• The festival is associated with the worship of Lord Yama, the god of death.
• Women light earthen lamps or 'deep' during the festival.
• People buy gold or silver jewelry or utensils on this occasion.

Sources:

• "Byline: Team DNA" from Diligent Media Corporation Ltd., DNA (Daily News & Analysis) All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Contify.com.