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When is Dhanteras 2024—October 29 or 30? Know Date, Timings, Origin, and Significance

By: Vinay Gupta on October 28, 2024 / comment : 0 Festivals

 Clear any confusion surrounding Dhanteras 2024! This year, the festival falls on Tuesday, October 29th, marking the joyous beginning of the five-day Diwali celebrations.

Dhanteras Decoded: Wealth and Celebration

The name "Dhanteras" itself holds the key to its significance. "Dhan" translates to wealth, and "Teras" refers to the thirteenth lunar day. Observed on the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in the Hindu month of Ashwin, Dhanteras is a time for grand festivities and auspicious purchases.

Dhanteras 2024: Date and Muhurat

While some sources may have caused confusion, rest assured: Dhanteras falls on October 29th, 2024. As per drikpanchang.com, the most auspicious time for Dhanteras puja (worship) lies within Pradosh Kaal. This period starts after sunset and lasts for approximately 2 hours and 24 minutes. The specific puja muhurat for this year is from 6:47 PM to 8:36 PM.

Here's a breakdown of the other important timings:

• Pradosh Kaal: 6:01 PM to 8:43 PM
• Vrishabha Kaal (puja muhurat): 6:47 PM to 8:36 PM (duration: 1 hour 49 minutes)
• Trayodashi Tithi Begins: 1:01 AM on October 29th, 2024
• Trayodashi Tithi Ends: 3:45 AM on October 30th, 2024

The Story Behind Dhanteras

Dhanteras holds deep roots in Hindu mythology. Legend has it that on this auspicious day of Dhantrayodashi, Goddess Lakshmi, the embodiment of wealth and prosperity, emerged from the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan).

A Day of Prosperity and New Beginnings

Dhanteras is a culturally and spiritually significant occasion. It signifies the start of Diwali, a festival of lights and joy. On this day, it's considered highly auspicious to make new beginnings and invest in valuable items like gold, silver, and utensils. These purchases are believed to attract prosperity and good fortune throughout the year.

Dhanvantri Jayanti: A Celebration of Healing

Interestingly, Dhanteras also coincides with Dhanwantari Triodasi or Dhanvantri Jayanti. This day marks the birth anniversary of Dhanvantri, the revered Hindu God of Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine. So, Dhanteras is not just about wealth but also about well-being and healing.

Embrace the Festivities!

Get ready to welcome prosperity and good health into your home! Dhanteras 2024 promises to be a vibrant and auspicious occasion. So, light up your diyas (oil lamps), prepare for puja, and celebrate the spirit of new beginnings!

Diwali 2024: The Festival of Lights – History, Significance, and Global Celebrations

By: Vinay Gupta on September 09, 2024 / comment : 0 Festivals

Diwali 2024: The Festival of Lights

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India and among Indian communities worldwide. Known as the "Festival of Lights," Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. It is marked by vibrant celebrations, fireworks, feasts, and a sense of togetherness among families and communities.

Origins and Significance of Diwali

The word "Diwali" is derived from the Sanskrit term Deepavali, which means a "row of lights." The festival’s origins are linked to various stories in Hindu mythology. The most popular legend associated with Diwali is the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana to their kingdom of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, as described in the epic Ramayana. The citizens of Ayodhya are said to have lit oil lamps (diyas) to welcome their king, thus giving rise to the tradition of lighting lamps during Diwali.

Another important association is with the goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. On Diwali night, it is believed that Lakshmi visits homes and blesses devotees with good fortune for the year ahead. Many worshippers clean and decorate their homes with rangoli patterns and flowers in preparation for her visit.

In different regions of India, Diwali is celebrated in various ways. In West Bengal, for example, the festival is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Kali, the destroyer of evil forces. In Jainism, Diwali marks the attainment of moksha by Lord Mahavira. For Sikhs, it commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Ji and 52 other princes from imprisonment.

Rituals and Celebrations

Diwali is traditionally observed over five days, with each day having its own significance:

1. Dhanteras – The first day of Diwali is dedicated to the worship of Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health and Ayurveda. On this day, people purchase gold, silver, and new utensils to symbolize good fortune.
2. Naraka Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali) – On the second day, people prepare sweets and clean their homes in preparation for the main festivities. It is said to commemorate Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura.
3. Lakshmi Puja – The third day is the most important, as it is devoted to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi. Homes are illuminated with oil lamps, candles, and electric lights, and families perform rituals seeking prosperity and happiness.
4. Govardhan Puja – The fourth day is celebrated to honor Lord Krishna's victory over the rain god Indra. In some regions, it is also celebrated as Annakut, where large quantities of food are offered to deities.
5. Bhai Dooj – The final day of Diwali is dedicated to the bond between brothers and sisters. Brothers visit their sisters, and sisters perform rituals to pray for their brothers' well-being.

Diwali Celebrations Around the World

While Diwali is predominantly a Hindu festival, its joyous spirit transcends religious boundaries. In countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, and Fiji, the festival is celebrated by Indian diaspora communities with great enthusiasm. In recent years, Diwali has also gained recognition in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, where communities organize public celebrations, fairs, and firework displays.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

In modern times, there has been growing concern about the environmental impact of Diwali celebrations, particularly the pollution caused by firecrackers. Efforts to promote eco-friendly Diwali are increasing, encouraging people to celebrate the festival by reducing pollution and waste. Many now opt for green alternatives such as clay diyas, organic rangoli colors, and digital greetings to minimize the environmental footprint.

Conclusion

Diwali 2024 is more than just a festival; it is a symbol of cultural unity, hope, and positivity. Whether celebrated with grandiose fireworks, intimate family gatherings, or traditional pujas, the essence of Diwali remains the same – the celebration of light over darkness, and the renewal of life's blessings. As people across the globe come together to celebrate Diwali, its timeless message of peace and prosperity resonates, making it a truly universal festival.

Read Also: 

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2) International Hindu Temples