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Dear Isheeria’s Healing Circles Readers,

Welcome to the FESTIVE SEASON of 2015!  The season of lights, prayers, prosperity and celebrations!

dhanteras

While we all enjoy the commercial elements of the festivals, somewhere, with our busy schedules, we seem to have forgotten the actual meaning of the festival, and follow only the minimalistic rituals that have been passed down to us, and which have suited us.

Most of us today associate Dhanteras with buying something of metal signifying the bringing home of prosperity. In actuality this is only a small part of it.  Here’s some more about this festival –

Dhanteras

Dhanteras is the first day of the Diwali celebrations. It is celebrated on triyodashi (ie. on the 13th tithi ) of Krishan Paksha in the month of Kartik. It is widely celebrated in North and West India. This year Dhanteras is on 9th November (2015).

Dhanteras marks the end of the Diwali shopping, and the beginning of the Diwali celebrations. Diwali Puja starts on Dhanteras, continues through Chhoti Diwali, Diwali, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dhooj.  Traditionally it starts with decorating the house with rangoli, and inviting the Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi into the house. Tiny footsteps in vermillion are made indicative of Her coming into the house. Her picture or idol is cleaned and decorated. A must buy on this day is something in metal (preferably a utensil) to be blessed by Her on this auspicious day.  Some families perform Lakshmi Puja on this day, but most perform it on Diwali night. Homes and offices are decorated and rangoli are made to welcome the Goddess.

Dhanvantari Puja is held on this day for the blessings of the Divine Physician, Dhanvantri, for the health of all the family members. He is believed to eradicate all diseases.

Cows are worshipped on this day, and food is given to them as they are significations of prosperity.

Traditionally, the main water containers are scrubbed clean, the clay water pot is changed on this day, and decorated with a tika and flowers.

Another lost tradition is of the Yamadeepan.  Yamadeepdaan is a must in each house as it is believed to ward off untimely death in the family. Lamps dedicated to Yamraj, the God of Death, are left burning all night long.

Some families also light a lamp for their ancestors on Dhanteras and float it down a river. In South India, Yama Tarpanam is performed on Narak Chaturdasi (chhoti Diwali), by offering Tarpan to the dead relatives.

Earthen diyas are lit at the entrance to banish evil spirits.

Dhanteras is the auspicious day for prayers and celebrations for the wealth and prosperity in all aspects of life for all members of the family.

Blessed Be!
Isheeria’s Healing Circles