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Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, marks the beginning of Diwali festivities. During this festival, Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped as it is believed that she emerged from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) on this day. Along with Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera, the God of Wealth, is also worshiped on the auspicious day of Dhantrayodashi. However, Lakshmi Puja on Amavasya, two days after Dhanteras, holds greater significance for devotees.
In Hindu culture, Diwali is one of the most celebrated festivals. It commemorates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after completing 14 years of exile.
According to the Hindu calendar, Dhanteras will be observed on the Trayodashi Tithi (thirteenth day) of the Kartik month’s Krishna Paksha. In 2024, Dhanteras begins on October 29 at 10:30 AM and will conclude on October 30 at 1:15 PM.
For Dhanteras or Dhantrayodashi, Lakshmi Puja should be performed during the Pradosh Kaal, which starts after sunset. The ideal time for the Puja on Dhanteras is from 6:31 PM to 8:13 PM, while the Pradosh Kaal is from 5:38 PM to 8:13 PM. The best time for the Dhanteras Puja is during the Pradosh Kaal, especially when Sthir Lagna prevails. "Sthir" means "fixed," indicating that performing the Puja during this time ensures that Lakshmi Ji resides permanently in your home, making it the most auspicious period for Dhanteras Pujan.
Diwali will be celebrated on Kartik Amavasya, which in 2024 falls on October 31. Scriptures indicate that Amavasya Tithi will also be active briefly during Pradosh Kaal on November 1; however, Diwali will be celebrated on October 31 as Amavasya will overlap with Pradosh Kaal that evening.
Lakshmi Puja on Diwali should ideally be performed during Pradosh Kaal, which begins after sunset. The auspicious time for Lakshmi Puja is from 5:36 PM to 6:16 PM, with Pradosh Kaal lasting from 5:36 PM to 8:11 PM.
On Diwali day, people should wake up early to pay homage to their ancestors and worship family deities. Devotees of Goddess Lakshmi also observe a day-long fast on Diwali, which is broken after the evening Lakshmi Puja.
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On the day of Lakshmi Puja, Hindu families often decorate their homes and offices with marigold flowers and leaves of Ashoka, mango, and banana trees. It is considered auspicious to place a Mangalik Kalash, topped with an unpeeled coconut, at the main entrance of the home.
To prepare for the Puja, a red cloth should be placed on a raised platform on the right side, where idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha should be adorned with silk clothes and jewelry and installed. A white cloth should be spread on the left side for Navagraha (the nine planets), where nine positions of Akshata (unbroken rice) is prepared. Sixteen positions of wheat or wheat flour should also be prepared on the red cloth. The Lakshmi Puja should be performed following the complete rituals as outlined in the Lakshmi Puja Vidhi.
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