Diwali, the festival of lights, is just around the corner and many have already begun their preparations for the auspicious festival. This festival is known to be a celebration of the victory of good over evil and light over darkness and will be celebrated on November 12 this year.
It is one of the most popular and highly awaited festivals in India and is celebrated with lights, decorations, and glitter every year. Diwali is known to carry the message of love, light, and prosperity. Lakshmi Puja, Govatsa Dwadashi and Dhanteras Puja are also celebrated during this season of Deepavali.
On the occasion of the auspicious festival, people wear new clothes, decorate their places with rangoli and lights and enjoy the extravagances of Diwali-special desserts and sweets with their friends and family.
Dhanteras 2023: SIGNIFICANCE & HISTORY
Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, marks the beginning of the five-day-long festival of Diwali. It is believed that on the day of Dhanteras or Dhantrayodashi, Goddess Lakshmi emerged out of the ocean during the Sagar Manthan or churning of the milky sea along with Lord Kubera, the God of wealth and hence the two are worshipped on the auspicious occasion of Trayodashi. Lord Dhanvantari was the last to emerge during Sagar Manthan when the Devas and Asuras were churning the sea, with the nectar of immortality (Amrit).
Dhanteras 2023: DATE
This year, the festivals will observed on the following day:
Dhanteras - November 10, 2023
Narak Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali - November 11, 2023
Deepawali or Diwali and Lakshmi Puja - November 12, 2023
Govardhan Puja - November 13, 2023
Bhaiya Dooj - November 14, 2023
Dhanteras 2023: TIME And SHUBH MUHURAT
The shubh muhurat for Dhanteras puja will be from 5:47 pm to 7:43 pm this year and will last for almost 2 hours.
Goddess Lakshmi, Ganesha, Dhanvantri and lord Kubera are worshipped and flowers, garlands, and prasad of lapsi or atta halwa, coriander seeds mixed with jaggery or boondi laddoo can be offered to the Gods.
During the puja, three forms of Goddess Lakshmi – Goddess MahaLakshmi, Maha Kaali and Goddess Saraswati are worshipped.
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