Tue Oct 29 02:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Dhanteras 2024: Prosperity and Shopping Mark the Festival

**New Delhi, India** – Dhanteras, the auspicious Hindu festival celebrated two days before Diwali, was observed today, October 29th. This festival marks the arrival of prosperity, happiness, and wealth. Also known as Dhan Trayodashi and Dhanvantari Jayanti, Dhanteras signifies the birth of Lord Dhanvantari, the deity of Ayurveda.

This year, the Dhan Trayodashi tithi commenced at 10:31 am on October 29th and will conclude at 1:15 pm on October 30th. The auspicious time for worship (pujan) is from 6:31 pm to 8:31 pm today, allowing for a 1 hour 42-minute window.

According to astrologer Rajkumar Shastri, the auspicious period for shopping, known as Tripushkar Yoga, falls between 6:31 am to 10:31 am, 11:42 am to 12:27 pm, and during the “Ghodhuli Bela” from 5:38 pm to 6:04 pm.

Buying gold, silver, utensils, jewelry, or other valuable items on Dhanteras is considered extremely beneficial for attracting wealth and prosperity. Many also purchase new vehicles, property, or other significant items on this day. Modern times have seen the addition of electronics and new gadgets to the list of auspicious purchases.

**Dhanteras Rituals and Practices:**

* The evening worship (puja) is conducted during the Pradosh period, after sunset.
* Lord Kubera and Lord Dhanvantari’s idols are placed on a platform facing north, with a ghee lamp lit in front of each.
* Offerings of white sweets for Kubera and yellow sweets for Dhanvantari are made.
* Mantras for Kubera and the Dhanvantari Stotra are chanted.
* A lamp for Diwali is also lit at the same spot.

**Key Do’s and Don’ts:**

* Purchase gold and silver utensils but avoid iron.
* Worship Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi.
* Cleanse the home thoroughly.
* Avoid lending or borrowing money.
* Refrain from worshipping in unclean areas and avoid anger and negative energy.

**For Prosperity and Good Fortune:**

* Light a ghee lamp in front of Goddess Lakshmi.
* Buy new utensils or kitchen items.
* Purchase gold or silver ornaments.

**Remember:**

* Offer a lamp to Yama on Dhanteras to prevent untimely death.
* Light 13 lamps inside the home and 13 outside on the main door.
* The main lamp is lit before sleeping, using an old lamp and facing south (the direction of Yama).
* Rotating the lamp inside the house is believed to eliminate negative energies.

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