what is dhanteras puja

Dhanteras Puja is a Hindu festival celebrated on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha, which occurs in the Ashvin or Kartika month. The word Dhanteras is derived from two words – ‘Dhan’, meaning wealth and ‘Teras’, which signifies the 13th day of the lunar month Kartik. On this day, devotees pay homage to Lord Kuber and Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu deities of prosperity and wealth. Dhanteras Puja is performed in the evening, and along with fresh flowers and prasad, one offers wheat and various pulses. Small footprints, using vermilion, symbolizing the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi, are made near the entrance of the home as part of the Dhanteras Puja. Many people also take out their gold and silver items from their lockers and clean them with honey, holy water, curd, and milk. People also buy new gold or silver on this day. A paste of vermilion and rice flour is prepared to draw the footprints of Goddess Lakshmi, which is considered auspicious and brings wealth and prosperity to the household. To perform Dhanteras Puja at home, one should clean the puja area and place the idols or images of Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi on a chowki. Cover the chowki with a crimson cloth. Dhanteras Puja is an auspicious time to buy new property, and Lakshmi Puja is performed to worship the Goddesses of wealth and to welcome prosperity and good luck.