Dhanteras on November 6: what tradition says to avoid buying or exchanging

In the Hindu faith, Dhanteras, or Dhanatrayodashi, is regarded as a festival symbolising happiness, prosperity and affluence. This year it will be celebrated on Friday, November 6.

On this day Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera are worshipped with devotion. Buying gold and silver, utensils and new items is considered highly auspicious, and markets see great enthusiasm for shopping at this time.

However, according to religious belief, people are advised to avoid buying or exchanging certain items on Dhanteras. These items are directly linked to the prosperity of the home and to positive energy, so it is said that special care should be taken when buying them, gifting them or accepting them from anyone.

The first is salt. Salt is considered linked to prosperity in the household and financial stability. It is therefore believed that salt should not be lent or given as a gift to anyone on Dhanteras.

The second is knives and other sharp objects. Knives, scissors, needles and pointed or sharp items should not be given to anyone as gifts on this sacred occasion. Such objects are considered to cause tension and distance in relationships.

The third is oil and ghee. Oil and ghee are used in worship, lighting lamps and various religious rituals. Instead of exchanging them on Dhanteras, it is believed that the oil and ghee needed for the puja and for lamp offerings should be brought in beforehand.

The fourth is lending money. The day is considered one for earning the special grace of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera. For this reason, many people avoid lending money to others on this day. Cash purchases in day-to-day dealings, however, are not considered inauspicious.

The fifth is glass items. According to astrological belief, glass is linked to the planet Rahu. In some traditions, therefore, giving items made of glass as gifts, or accepting them from anyone, is avoided on this day.

The sixth is old or broken utensils and items. There is an old tradition of bringing new and useful things into the home on Dhanteras. It is therefore said that old or broken utensils, or any unusable goods from the house, should not be given to anyone as gifts.