The festive season in India is commencing tomorrow amidst the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic situation. On one hand, people are thrilled to celebrate but on the other, they are afraid of its consequences due to Covid-19. Though the nation has unlocked its economy in a staggered way, festivals this time will not be like the past years.
Prior to the festival of lights 'Diwali', people observe the festival of Dhanteras or Dhantrayodashi. The auspicious day coincides with Traayodashi Tithi (Thirteenth) of the Krishna Paksha of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik. On Dhanteras, people especially Hindus worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Dhanvantari, Lord Kubera (God of wealth), and Yamraj (God of Death).
However, this year people are in a state of perplexion regarding the date on which the festival falls. Some are of the notion that it is on November 12 and others say it is on November 13.
Traditionally, Dhanteras is celebrated on the thirteenth of the Krishna Paksha of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik which suggests that it is on November 13 only.
Connecting with the roots, the word Dhanteras is derived from Dhan means wealth in Hindi, and Teras which means thirteenth. The significance of this day is that people believe that gold and silver protect against bad omens and pessimism. Thus, it is considered pious to buy metals on Dhanteras.
To keep ailments at bay Hindu people worship Lord Dhanvantari, who is considered as the God of Ayurveda, on Dhanteras. It is believed that Lord Dhanvantari has imparted wisdom to mankind to help them get rid of the suffering of disease.
The Indian government has announced that Dhanteras day to be observed as 'National Ayurveda Day'. It was first observed on October 28, 2016. This year, it will be celebrated on November 13.
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Apart from this, it is ardently believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits the homes of her devotees and fulfills their wishes on Dhanteras. People light diyas (lamps) and kept them burning all through the night of Dhanteras to please Lakshmi and Dhanvantari.
Since this day is considered extremely auspicious, Hindus make new purchases, especially of gold or silver articles, and new utensils as they believe that new wealth or some item made of precious metal would earn them good luck. Another common belief linked to it is that buying gold and silver on Dhanteras brings more wealth and prosperity.
Lakshmi Puja on Dhanteras should be performed during Pradosh Kaal. This year the Pradosh Kaal on Dhateras (November 13) starts after sunset and it will last for approximately 2 hours and 24 minutes.
Dhanteras Date: 13th November 2020
Auspicious time: 7 am to 10 am
The second auspicious time: 1 pm to 2.30 pm
Auspicious time for Dhanteras Puja: 5:28 pm to 5:59 pm
Pradosh Kaal Muhurat: 5:28 pm to 8:07 pm on November 13, 2020
Taurus Kaal Muhurat: 5:32 pm to 7:28 pm on November 13, 2020