Essay on “Dhanteras” Festival
Dhanteras is celebrated two days prior to Diwali on the thirteenth day of Kartik month. As the name suggests, God Yama is worshipped on this day for the prosperity and happiness in the coming times.
However, there are many legends revealing different stories about this day. One legend says when the gods and demons churned the ocean for Amrit or nectar, Dhanavanti emerged carrying a jar of the elixir. But whatever the legend says, the day has a great importance for the affluent mercantile community of Western India. Business houses and their related buildings are decorated. Entrances are made colourful with lovely traditional motifs of Rangoli designs to welcome the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. Lamps burn throughout the night.
For women, this day holds special significance. On this auspicious day, women purchase new garments, ornaments, and utensils. In the evening ‘Lakshmi Puja’ is performed to appease Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, with small diyas of clay.
