Dhanteras encourages a spirit of generosity and spending, which strengthens social bonds and supports the economy. People exchange gifts, purchase household items, and shop for their families, fueling commerce and boosting the festive spirit in society.
Many also light a diya at the entrance of the house or in front of Lord Yama, the god of death, to protect family members from unnatural death and misfortune. This custom is believed to ensure the health and safety of loved ones.
Dhanteras reflects the Hindu values of prosperity, health, renewal, and reverence, making it a day of joyful celebration and hopeful beginnings for the year ahead.
On Dhanteras, traditionally associated with wealth and prosperity, people buy items believed to bring good fortune and positive energy into the home. Here are some popular Dhanteras purchases:
- Gold and Silver: Coins, bars, or jewelry made of gold or silver are classic choices. Coins engraved with images of Lakshmi or Ganesha are particularly encouraging.
- Utensils: Buying utensils made of brass, copper, or silver is believed to attract prosperity. New kitchen items like pots, pans, or silverware are also popular.
- Electronics and Appliances: Many choose Dhanteras to purchase electronics like TVs, refrigerators, or washing machines, considering it a good time to bring these into the home.
- Brooms: In some regions, buying a new broom is thought to sweep out negative energy and invite wealth.
- Idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha: Statues of Goddess Lakshmi (goddess of wealth) and Lord Ganesha (god of success) are often bought to prepare for Diwali Puja.
- Gadgets: Laptops, smartphones, and tablets are popular modern choices for those looking to make practical, useful purchases.
- Vehicles: Some people purchase new cars or bikes on Dhanteras, considering it auspicious to start a journey with new prosperity.
- Real Estate: Dhanteras is also seen as a favorable time for real estate investments, like buying a new property or a plot of land.
- Investment: Investing in stocks, bonds, or mutual funds is considered propitious. This is a good time to start or add your investment to your portfolio.
- Dhania: Buying dhania (coriander seeds) on Dhanteras has become a traditional practice in India, particularly in North India. This custom is rooted in a mix of symbolism, beliefs, and seasonal convenience.
- Health and Wellness Product: Buying health and wellness products on Dhanteras has become popular recently as people increasingly focus on well-being. Traditionally, Dhanteras is the day to pray for good health and fortune, and with this focus on health, wellness products have gained importance.
On Dhanteras, certain items are avoided due to beliefs that they may bring misfortune or negative energy. Here’s a list of what not to buy:
- Sharp Objects: Items like knives, scissors, and other sharp tools are considered inauspicious on Dhanteras, as they symbolize cutting ties or relationships.
- Black Items: Avoid buying black clothing, accessories, or household items, as black is associated with negative energy and is generally seen as inauspicious.
- Empty Containers: Avoid buying empty vessels or containers, as they symbolize a lack of prosperity. If you buy pots or jars, fill them with water, rice, or coins.
- Glass Items: In some beliefs, glass is associated with fragility, and it’s thought that glassware may symbolize instability in wealth.
- Oil: Buying oil on Dhanteras is avoided in some regions, as it’s thought to bring misfortune. However, if oil is essential, many prefer to buy it after Dhanteras.
- Leather Items: Many consider it inauspicious to buy leather products on this day, especially wallets and bags, as they believe it may affect prosperity.
- Borrowed Money or Loans: It’s advised not to borrow money or take loans on Dhanteras, as debt is seen as a negative energy that can affect wealth.
- Iron: Iron items like kitchenware, furniture, or even vehicles are avoided by some, as iron is linked to Saturn (Shani), whose effects are not ideal for wealth and prosperity on this day.
- Plastic Items: Some avoid plastic, associating it with non-renewable energy and stagnation.
Sticking to metals like gold, silver, brass, or copper, along with practical, positive purchases, is often seen as the best way to invite abundance and prosperity into your life on Dhanteras.
