Mon Oct 28 22:31:58 UTC 2024: ## Dhanteras 2024: Auspicious Muhurat for Prosperity and Good Fortune

**New Delhi:** The festival of Dhanteras, marking the beginning of the five-day Diwali celebrations, is celebrated on the thirteenth lunar day of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the Hindu month Kartik. This year, Dhanteras falls on October 29, 2024.

Dhanteras commemorates the arrival of Lord Dhanvantari, the deity of health and Ayurveda, who emerged from the ocean of milk during the churning of the cosmic ocean. The festival is celebrated by worshipping Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi (goddess of wealth), and Kubera (the god of wealth).

**Auspicious Muhurat for Shopping:**

* **General Shopping:** The most auspicious time for shopping on Dhanteras is from 6:31 AM on October 29th to 10:31 AM on October 30th.
* **Gold and Silver:** The best time to buy gold and silver is between 10:31 AM on October 29th and 6:32 AM on October 30th, offering a 20-hour window. A particularly auspicious time is between 6:32 PM and 8:14 PM on October 29th.
* **Vehicle Purchase:** Three auspicious time slots are available for buying vehicles on Dhanteras: 10:41 AM to 12:05 PM, 12:05 PM to 1:28 PM, and 7:15 PM to 8:51 PM on October 29th.
* **Avoid Shopping During Rahu Kaal:** Rahu Kaal, an inauspicious period, falls between 2:51 PM and 4:15 PM on October 29th. It is advised to refrain from shopping during this time.

**Things to Buy for Good Fortune:**

* **Gold, Silver, and Utensils:** Purchasing these items is considered highly auspicious for attracting prosperity.
* **New Utensils:** Offering new utensils to Goddess Lakshmi is believed to invite wealth and happiness into the home.
* **Broom, Copper Utensils, Coriander, and Salt:** These items are also believed to attract wealth.

**Things to Avoid:**

* **Glassware:** Glass is associated with Rahu, and buying glassware on Dhanteras is considered inauspicious.
* **Plastic Items:** Plastic items are generally avoided on auspicious occasions.
* **Aluminum:** Aluminum is considered a symbol of misfortune in astrology.
* **Sharp Objects, Black Items, and Broken Objects:** These items should be avoided on Dhanteras.

**Worship Rituals:**

* **Pooja Muhurat:** The auspicious time for worshipping Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi, and Kubera is from 6:31 PM to 8:13 PM on October 29th.
* **Deepdaan:** A diya is lit for Yamraj, the god of death, between 5:38 PM and 6:55 PM on October 29th, to avoid untimely death and ensure well-being for the family.
* **Thirteen Diyas:** Lighting thirteen diyas in different parts of the house on Dhanteras is believed to attract wealth and prosperity.

**Other Tips:**

* **Clothing:** Wearing yellow clothes is considered auspicious on Dhanteras. Avoid wearing black.
* **Alternative Purchases:** If you are unable to purchase gold or silver, consider buying steel or copper utensils, a broom, salt, coriander seeds, idols of Lakshmi and Ganesh, or new clothes.

Dhanteras is a time of prosperity and good fortune. By following the auspicious timings and rituals, you can ensure a blessed and prosperous year ahead.

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