Dhanteras is Celebrated in Which State?

Dhanteras is an important Hindu festival that marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali celebrations. This auspicious day is dedicated to wealth and prosperity, and people from various states in India observe it with unique rituals and traditions. Let’s explore the different aspects of Dhanteras, including its significance, deities worshipped, and how it is celebrated across different regions and communities.

Dhanteras is Celebrated in Which State?

Dhanteras is celebrated in almost every state in India, though the customs and traditions may vary. The festival is observed with great enthusiasm in states like:

Maharashtra: In Maharashtra, people clean their homes, decorate them with rangoli (colorful patterns), and light oil lamps to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.

Gujarat: Dhanteras is especially significant for the trading and business communities in Gujarat. They purchase new utensils, gold, silver, and other valuable items, as it is believed to bring good fortune.

Rajasthan: In Rajasthan, Dhanteras is celebrated with traditional rituals like cleaning homes and buying new jewelry or household items. The Marwari and Rajasthani communities also worship Lakshmi for prosperity.

Uttar Pradesh: In this state, Dhanteras rituals involve lighting earthen lamps to ward off evil spirits and welcoming Goddess Lakshmi. People buy gold and silver ornaments as a sign of good luck.

Tamil Nadu and Karnataka: Even in the southern states, Dhanteras is observed, although with some variations in traditions. Here, it is commonly known as 'Dhantrayodashi.'

Which Deity is Worshipped on Dhanteras?

The main deity worshipped during Dhanteras is Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, fortune, and prosperity. People believe that worshipping Lakshmi on Dhanteras brings prosperity and removes financial obstacles.

Apart from Lakshmi, Lord Kubera, the god of wealth, is also worshipped. It is common for households to perform a Lakshmi-Kubera Puja, where both deities are worshipped together to invite wealth and financial growth. The offerings typically include sweets, flowers, and lamps, which are placed near the idols during the puja.

Dhanvantari God

Dhanteras is also associated with Lord Dhanvantari, who is considered the god of Ayurveda and health. According to Hindu mythology, Dhanvantari emerged during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) with a pot of Amrita (elixir of immortality). Hence, Dhanteras is not only a festival for wealth but also for good health.

People pray to Lord Dhanvantari for well-being and seek blessings for a healthy life. Some communities even observe health-related rituals or donate food and clothes to the needy as part of the celebrations.

How is Dhanteras Celebrated in South India?

In South India, the Dhanteras celebration is known as 'Dhantrayodashi', and it has a slightly different cultural significance compared to the northern states. Here are some key aspects of the celebrations:

Cleaning and Decorating: Similar to other regions, people clean their homes thoroughly and decorate them with beautiful rangolis. Traditional oil lamps are placed outside the entrance to invite prosperity.

Buying Metal Objects: People in South India purchase metal objects, especially brass and copper utensils, as it is considered auspicious. Buying gold and silver is also popular, but less emphasized compared to northern states.

Ayurvedic Significance: As Dhanteras is associated with Lord Dhanvantari, there is a special focus on Ayurveda. Some communities conduct health awareness programs or distribute Ayurvedic medicines to honor the god of health.

Does Buddhist Celebrate Diwali?

Buddhists generally do not celebrate Diwali as it is a Hindu festival with specific religious significance. However, there are some regions where Buddhists might partake in the cultural aspects of the Diwali celebrations. For example, in Nepal, where Hinduism and Buddhism coexist, some Buddhists may light lamps and participate in the festive spirit alongside Hindus.

Does Sikh Celebrate Diwali?

Sikhs do celebrate Diwali, but it is called Bandi Chhor Divas (Day of Liberation). The festival commemorates the release of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji, along with 52 Hindu princes, from imprisonment by the Mughal emperor Jahangir.

On Bandi Chhor Divas, Sikhs light up their homes and Gurudwaras with lamps, distribute sweets, and perform prayers to celebrate the Guru’s return to the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Although the celebrations coincide with Diwali, the Sikh traditions are distinct, focusing on the values of freedom and justice.

Does Jain Celebrate Diwali?

Jains also celebrate Diwali, but for a different reason. For the Jain community, Diwali marks the Nirvana (liberation) of Lord Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara, in 527 BCE. It is the day when Mahavira attained Moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death).

Jains light lamps to signify the light of spiritual knowledge that Mahavira brought to the world. Temples are adorned with lamps, and special prayers are held. Some Jains also observe fasting and other religious activities to honor the spiritual significance of the day.

Conclusion

Dhanteras, marking the onset of Diwali, is a festival celebrated across various states in India, each adding its unique cultural touch. While the rituals may differ, the common themes of worshipping Goddess Lakshmi for wealth, Lord Dhanvantari for health, and purchasing precious metals unite the celebrations. Additionally, the festival holds significance for other communities, with Sikhs observing Bandi Chhor Divas and Jains commemorating the Nirvana of Lord Mahavira. The diverse ways in which Dhanteras is observed reflect the rich cultural tapestry and spiritual traditions of India, making it a truly inclusive and meaningful celebration.