Kartik Krishna Trayodasi or Dhanteras, festival of wealth and prosperity!

Dhanteras or Dhana Trayodashi falls this year on Friday, 25th October, 2019. This day, according to Skanda Purana, is called the day of Yama Deepam. In the evening, during the ceremony of Yama Deepa, Daan is to be performed by lighting the diya (earthen lamp) outside the house. This diya should keep burning throughout the night in adoration of lord Yama, the god of death, to avoid untimely and immature death.As per another legend, on this day lord Dhanwantari, the divine physician, emerged with a golden pitcher full of Amrita or ambrosia from the sea when it was being churned by the gods and the demons. The worship of lord Dhanwantari is to be performed in the first hour of this lunar night. As lord Dhanwantari is the divine physician, the worship of Bighna Vinashak (Destroyer of obstacles), should also be performed in order to acquire health, longevity, wealth and prosperity. The vehicle of goddess Lakshmi, a white owl, should also be worshipped.On this occasion, the rich buy valuable items like gold and silver and the common man buy utensils made of brass, copper or bell-metal. On Dhanteras, businessmen close their Account and Ledger books and Perform Puja after reading Dhanteras Vrata Katha. Do’s and Don’ts of DhanterasOn Dhantrayodashi, do not make unnecessary expenditure; only buy things that you need.On Dhantrayodashi, prayers should be offered to Dhanwantari. By worshipping Dhanwantari, one is blessed with good health. After the puja, Yama tarpan rituals should be followed.On this auspicious day, avoid borrowing or lending money to anyone.It is extremely auspicious to buy utensils, gold and silver in the afternoon. It is believed that doing so marks the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi into your house.In the evening, light several diyas in the puja room to brighten it up.Around 8 pm, sit in the puja room, take a red cloth and place Kuber Yantra, Sphatik Shreeyantra, Lord Kuber’s image or idol, Goddess Lakshmi’s image or idol on it. Then worship these by offering vermilion (roli), mauli thread, rice, dhup, flowers, diya and naivaidyam.