Dhanteras Me Kya Lena Chahiye

Dhanteras marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival and holds great spiritual and cultural significance in Indian households. Celebrated on the thirteenth day of the Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik, it is considered highly auspicious to make certain purchases on this day. The word Dhanteras comes from Dhan meaning wealth and Teras meaning the thirteenth day. On this day, people believe that buying specific items brings prosperity, health, and good fortune. Many families prepare for Dhanteras with rituals, prayers, and by bringing new things into the home that are said to invite blessings from the goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari.

Importance of Buying on Dhanteras

Purchasing on Dhanteras is not merely a shopping tradition; it is tied deeply to beliefs about wealth, health, and future prosperity. It is believed that buying valuable items on this day attracts positive energy and ensures a prosperous year ahead. People often ask, ‘Dhanteras me kya lena chahiye?’ a question that reflects both devotion and practicality. Each purchase carries spiritual symbolism, intended to usher in happiness and financial growth.

Spiritual Significance

On Dhanteras, it is common to worship Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. According to mythology, Dhanvantari emerged during the Samudra Manthan carrying the pot of Amrit (nectar of immortality). Therefore, this day is also associated with health and well-being. Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, is also worshipped to bless the home and family with abundance.

What to Buy on Dhanteras

The question of what to buy on Dhanteras has both religious and practical answers. Here are some traditional and meaningful items that people commonly purchase on this auspicious day:

1. Gold and Silver

• Gold Coins and Jewelry: Gold is a symbol of wealth and stability. Buying gold on Dhanteras is believed to bring good luck and future prosperity.
• Silverware and Coins: Silver is also highly auspicious. People often buy silver coins engraved with images of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, or silver utensils for religious use.

2. Utensils and Kitchenware

One of the most common purchases on Dhanteras is new kitchen utensils made of brass, copper, or steel. These items are considered sacred when first used in religious offerings and prayers.

• Brass and Copper Pots: These are used in rituals and pujas and represent purity and tradition.
• Steel Bowls and Plates: Functional and symbolic, they are believed to bring nourishment and wellness.

3. Electronic Items and Appliances

In modern times, people have extended the Dhanteras shopping list to include household appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, or even mobile phones. Though not traditional, the purchase of high-value items still symbolizes progress and material growth.

4. Lakshmi Idols and Pooja Items

It is considered auspicious to bring home new idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on Dhanteras. These are used during the Diwali puja and are believed to invite divine presence into the household.

• Clay or metal idols: Purchased specifically for Diwali Lakshmi Puja.
• Kalash, diyas, and incense holders: Essential items for the sacred rituals performed during Diwali.

5. Broomstick (Jhadu)

This might seem unusual, but buying a new broom on Dhanteras is considered highly lucky. In many Indian households, the broom represents cleanliness and the removal of negativity. It is believed that bringing a new broom into the home helps drive away financial and mental obstacles.

6. Clothes and Accessories

Buying new clothes on Dhanteras is part of the preparation for Diwali. New garments are worn during the festivities, and their purchase represents a fresh start and a clean spirit.

• Sarees, kurtas, or traditional wear: Purchased for Lakshmi puja or festive gatherings.
• Accessories and jewelry: Adding elegance and honoring traditions.

7. Sweets and Dry Fruits

Though they are consumed more than purchased for keeps, buying sweets and dry fruits for Dhanteras is considered generous and auspicious. These are offered to the deities and shared with loved ones as a gesture of joy and prosperity.

8. Stocks and Investments

Some people consider it lucky to invest in stocks, mutual funds, or digital gold on Dhanteras. These modern equivalents to gold and wealth accumulation align with the traditional goal of securing financial future and abundance.

What Not to Buy on Dhanteras

Just as there are items you should buy, there are also some things considered inauspicious to purchase on Dhanteras:

• Sharp objects: Knives and scissors are linked with violence and should be avoided.
• Black-colored items: Black is generally seen as unlucky during festivals.
• Glass items: Fragile materials may symbolize instability and are best avoided.

How to Perform Dhanteras Pooja

To enhance the spiritual benefits of your purchases, it is recommended to perform a simple Dhanteras puja in the evening:

• Clean your home thoroughly and decorate with rangoli and lights.
• Place idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari on a clean altar.
• Light a diya using ghee or mustard oil.
• Offer flowers, sweets, and incense while chanting traditional mantras.
• Use the newly purchased items (such as utensils) during the puja.

The puja not only sanctifies the new items but also invites divine blessings for health and wealth throughout the year.

Regional Variations in Dhanteras Shopping

While the basic essence of Dhanteras remains the same across India, regional customs influence what people buy:

• In North India: Gold, silver, and kitchen utensils are popular.
• In South India: People focus more on traditional oil lamps, brass utensils, and new clothes.
• In Western India: Many invest in real estate or vehicles, seeing them as signs of growth.

Regardless of the variation, the shared belief is that shopping on Dhanteras welcomes good luck.

Dhanteras is more than just a day of shopping; it is a day filled with blessings, tradition, and spiritual significance. When asking Dhanteras me kya lena chahiye, the answer lies in understanding what brings value, both materially and spiritually, to your life. From gold and silver to simple items like a broom or new clothes, every purchase on this day is a symbolic act of inviting health, wealth, and happiness. It is a celebration of abundance, not just in possessions, but in love, devotion, and good fortune for the year ahead.