Last Updated:
This day is dedicated to the worship of Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi and Kubera, the god of wealth.
A traditional practice on this day is to light 13 diyas.
Diwali celebrations have started across the country and markets are bustling as people begin their shopping. This festival, known as the “Festival of Lights,” spans five days, beginning with Dhanteras. On this day, people engage in extensive shopping. Dhanteras is observed annually on the thirteenth day (Trayodashi) of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Kartik. This day is dedicated to the worship of Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi and Kubera, the god of wealth. A traditional practice on this day is to light 13 diyas.
It is believed that offering lamps on this day brings good fortune. Did you know that there are specific rules and significance attached to lighting diyas on Dhanteras? Why are 13 diyas lit on this day and what is the importance of each diya? Where should these diyas be placed? Jyotish and Vastu expert Rakesh Chaturvedi from Pratap Vihar, Ghaziabad, shared tips with News18.
Dhanteras 2024: Date
According to the Vedic calendar, this year Trayodashi Tithi begins on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at 10:34 AM and ends on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at 1:17 PM. The ideal time to worship Lord Dhanvantari falls within this period, making October 29 the day to celebrate Dhanteras.
Auspicious Time for Dhanvantari Puja
According to Rakesh Chaturvedi, the auspicious time for Dhanteras puja on October 29 is from 6:31 PM to 8:13 PM. During this period, devotees can worship Lord Dhanvantari, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kubera, with a total of 1 hour and 41 minutes available for the rituals.
Where to Place Each Diya on Dhanteras
1. First Diya: When all family members return home in the evening, light the first diya near the trash outside, facing south. This is believed to protect family members from untimely death.
2. Second Diya: Light the second diya made of ghee in the puja room, adding a pinch of saffron for blessings from Goddess Lakshmi.
3. Third Diya: Place the third diya at the main entrance to protect the family from evil eye and enhance love and fortune.
4. Fourth Diya: Place the fourth diya near the basil (Tulsi) plant to bring prosperity and happiness to the home.
5. Fifth Diya: Place the fifth diya on the terrace as a symbol of protection and to ward off negative energies.
6. Sixth Diya: Light a mustard oil diya under a peepal tree, associated with Goddess Lakshmi, to address health and financial issues.
7. Seventh Diya: Light the seventh diya at a nearby temple.
8. Eighth Diya: Light the eighth diya near the trash.
9. Ninth Diya: Place the ninth diya outside the bathroom to maintain a positive energy flow around the house.
10. Tenth Diya: Place the tenth diya on the windowsill to create a festive atmosphere.
11. Eleventh Diya: Place the eleventh diya on the terrace to maintain a celebratory mood in the home.
12. Twelfth Diya: Light the twelfth diya under a bael tree to increase wealth and prosperity.
13. Thirteenth Diya: Light the thirteenth diya at the intersection near your home.
These placements are believed to bring auspiciousness, peace and prosperity to the home during the festival.