Happy and Shubh Dhanteras to everyone! This day marks the start of the Diwali festivities.
Dhanteras is the worship of Dhanvantari. Dhanvantari, according to Hindu traditions, emerged during Samudra Manthana or the churning of the ocean, holding a pot of amrita in one hand and the sacred text about Ayurveda in the other hand. He is considered to be the physician of the Devas.
On Dhanteras, homes that have not yet been cleaned in preparation for Diwali are thoroughly cleansed and whitewashed. Dhanvantari, the god of health and Ayurveda, is worshiped in the evening.
There are many diverse celebrations that run across different communities based in India. Hindus consider this an extremely auspicious day for making new purchases, especially of gold or silver articles and new utensils. It is believed that new “Dhan” (wealth) or some item made of precious metal is a sign of good luck. In modern times, Dhanteras has come to be known as the most auspicious occasion for buying gold, silver, and other metals, especially kitchenware. The day also sees heavy purchases of appliances and automobiles.
In South India, women make medicine which is offered during prayer and eaten early the next day on sunrise. Gujarati families will enjoy a meal of daal baath and malpua to ring in the new year.
In 2016, the Indian ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy announced its decision to observe Dhanteras as the “National Ayurveda Day”, the first of which was observed on 28 October 2016.
Going beyond the cultural significance, Dhanteras is also a celebration of India’s rich history in the field of medicine as well as an inspiration for overall health and wealth.
Festivals in India are more than just prayers. It is a way of life, deeply intertwined with culture, economy, and society. Indians have celebrated for thousands of years, and I hope this continues for thousands more.
