Dhanteras observed today with Lakshmi-Kuber puja timings set for Nagpur devotees

Dhanteras is being celebrated across the country today, Friday, 6 November, marking the start of the five-day Diwali festival. Dhanteras is also called Dhantrayodashi and is associated with wealth, prosperity, good health and new beginnings.

On the occasion, families traditionally buy gold, silver, jewellery, coins, utensils and other valuables. It is believed that bringing home valuables is a sign of prosperity and good fortune. Devotees also worship Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber, seeking blessings for good health, financial stability and well-being.

There was some confusion over the date this year, as the Trayodashi tithi runs until the morning of 7 November. However, the auspicious Pradosh Kaal for the Dhanteras puja falls on 6 November, so the festival is being observed today.

According to the Hindu calendar, the Trayodashi tithi of the Krishna Paksha of the month of Kartik begins on 6 November and lasts until 7 November. The tithi began at 10:30 am on 6 November and ends at 10:47 am on 7 November.

For devotees in Nagpur, the evening Pradosh Kaal is considered the most important time for the Dhanteras puja. According to panchang calculations worked out for the city, the auspicious time for the Lakshmi-Kuber puja in Nagpur is from about 6:07 pm to 8:06 pm. Pradosh Kaal will last from 5:35 pm to 8:08 pm. The muhurat may differ slightly between panchang calculations and local traditions.

Buying gold and silver is one of the most popular Dhanteras traditions. Many families buy gold coins, silver jewellery, utensils of precious metal and idols of Lakshmi and Ganesh on this day. For shopping in Nagpur, the following choghadiya periods have been listed as auspicious: Shubh choghadiya from 11:57 am to 1:21 pm, Char choghadiya from 4:11 pm to 5:35 pm and Labh choghadiya from 8:46 pm to 10:21 pm. Abhijit Muhurat is also traditionally considered auspicious for important purchases, but people should check their local panchang for the exact time.

Many other items are bought on this day besides gold and silver. These include brass and copper utensils, new utensils for the home, idols of Lakshmi and Ganesh, brooms, coriander seeds, vehicles and electronic goods. The broom is traditionally linked with welcoming Goddess Lakshmi, while coriander seeds are used in traditional worship. Some families avoid buying iron and sharp objects on Dhanteras. These beliefs are based on religious customs and may differ from household to household.

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Dhanvantari emerged with a pot of nectar during the churning of the ocean. He is worshipped as the god of Ayurveda, health and healing. Goddess Lakshmi symbolises wealth and prosperity, and Lord Kuber is regarded as the keeper of wealth. Dhanteras is therefore not only a day for buying gold and silver, but also one for praying for good health, financial well-being and prosperity.

Lighting a lamp in the evening is also a special ritual of the day. It is called Yam Deepdan. An oil lamp is lit near the main door of the house, traditionally with its mouth facing south. According to religious belief, the ritual is performed to pray for protection from untimely death and for the long life and well-being of family members.

Amid preparations for Diwali, Dhanteras is an occasion to welcome prosperity, celebrate new beginnings and pray for health and happiness.