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Believe it or not, Dhanteras is among the most loved festivals in India. Why? Well, because it is the one day when shopping is not just allowed, but it becomes a holy ritual. On this day, people hit the shops en masse, purchasing brass diya, silver coins, and the like to bring wealth, health, and prosperity. But at its heart, Dhanteras is much more than a golden ticket for a shopping spree. It’s a day that commemorates the emergence of Lakshmi and Dhanvantari during the Samudra Manthan. So yes, it involves pujas and rituals to welcome their blessings.
Add to that the glow of diyas, the sweet smell of incense, and the sound of family members arguing over who forgot the matchbox again, and you’ve got the perfect setup for Dhanteras puja at home.
So, if you’ve always wanted to perform the puja properly but found yourself lost in the details, don’t worry. Here’s your simple, no-fuss guide to preparing and performing the puja at home, plus a detailed overview of what all to buy in Dhanteras. This guide will save you the trouble of hiring a priest.
Preparation Before The Puja
Yes, you’ll have to prepare a few things beforehand to move on to the ritual part. But don’t worry, here’s a simple checklist you can follow :
- Clean the House: Since Dhanteras is the official reminder that Diwali is just around the corner, it’s also a reminder to get your house cleaned. Get that mold painted, leaky roof checked, and your flush working correctly before the festival hits the calendar. Inviting guests (as well as positive energy and prosperity) to a house that’s unclean or cluttered is always a bad idea.
- Decorate your Space: With rangolis, torans, flowers, and of course, diyas at the doorway, you can turn your home into a place that attracts divine energy. Plus, a well-adorned home is always a great space to meditate and show your devotion in.
- Set Up the Puja Space: Done with cleaning and decorating? Now, let’s choose a clean corner (or your usual prayer area) to arrange the puja space. On a wooden platform (chowki) covered with a red or yellow cloth, arrange idols (or pictures) of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kubera. Keep your puja thali ready with diyas, flowers, roli, rice, sweets, incense, and a small kalash filled with water.
Dhanteras Puja Rituals
Now, let’s prepare for the main event, performing the Dhanteras puja. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
1. Begin by Offering Prayers to Lord Ganesha: Light the thirteen lamps and begin your invocation to Lord Ganesha, the God of every new beginning. Chant:
“Shree Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha।
Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva-Kaaryeshu Sarvada॥”
Give offerings of flowers, fruits, and sweets to the God to appease him.
2. Invoke Goddess Lakshmi & Lord Kubera: Next, recite the Lakshmi mantra in honor of Goddess Lakshmi, the bringer of wealth. You can also invoke Lord Kubera, the treasurer of the gods. Offer flowers, sweets, coins, and follow that up by lighting incense and performing aarti.
2. Ensure to Follow Proper Muhurat Timings: Make sure to perform the puja during the Pradosh Kaal, the time between sunset and dusk. This is considered to be the most auspicious time to worship Lord Ganesha & Goddess Lakshmi.
What to Buy on Dhanteras?
Shopping is where the fun truly begins. While tradition dictates that certain items bring good fortune, let’s just admit it’s also the perfect excuse for guilt-free shopping.
1. Gold and Silver – These are timeless buys for prosperity – even a small coin counts.
2. Utensils – Brass, copper, or steel vessels are a must. You can skip that fancy dinner set, though; it’s not mandatory.
3. Diyas and Lamps – These are symbolic of light overcoming darkness, and let’s face it, your pooja setup looks incomplete without them.
4. Brooms – Yes, it sounds odd, but buying a broom on Dhanteras is considered auspicious. Plus, it’s practical… you’ll need it after all the Diwali mess.
5. Electronics and Gadgets – Not traditionally listed, but hey, modern problems require modern purchases.
Conclusion
Performing Dhanteras puja at home doesn’t have to be overwhelming or complicated. At its heart, the ritual is about gratitude, prosperity, and togetherness. Whether you’re buying a gold coin, a humble steel spoon, or simply lighting diyas with your family, what matters most is the intention behind it.
Along with gold, silver, diyas, and utensils, many people also consider buying gifts for family and friends during this festive season. So, if you’re looking for thoughtful ideas, here’s a handy guide on the top 20 house warming gifts, India, that also make wonderful Diwali presents.
Happy Dhanteras!