Dhanteras apart from being the inception point for celebrations has special significance and enjoys great reverence in the northern belt of the country. To mark the auspicious day, houses and business premises are renovated and decorated. Entrances are made colourful with lovely traditional motifs of Rangoli designs to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. In her wait the lamps are kept alight all through the night communicating the dedication of the devotees.

The Festival Of Wealth Dhanteras, is considered to be the festival of wealth. The significance in this regard translates into the inaugurations and new purchases of expensive possessions on this day. It is considered very auspicious if you set up your business, launch a new project, hold housewarming, set wedding dates or buy cars and motorcycles on this day. It is believed that thing started on this day prosper and give immense wealth to everyone concerned.

Auto Delight As metal is the primary consideration as far shopping on Dhanteras is concerned, it is the perfect day to buy a new automobile. Cars and bikes see spiked sales on Dhanteras and dealers are all jam packed. People wait for more than a month to buy their ride on this day. It is believed that automobiles bought on this day are auspicious and have an aura of safety around them.

Shopping Delight Dhanteras also marks one of biggest shopping days of the year as precious metals along with new utensils are purchased by every Hindu household. This is one of the most important days as far as businesses are concerned as the markets are completely flooded with shoppers making the most of this auspicious day. It is believed that new “Dhan” or some form of precious metal is a sign of good luck. Iron, Copper or Brass utensils are bought for the kitchen on the festival of wealth. It is a busy day for the jewellers as people indulge into shopping of gold and silver items.

Global Appeal The repute and importance of Dhanteras is not limited to India and it is celebrated by Indians all around the world. Such is the glory of this pious day that Indians no matter in which part of the world they may be in, make it a point to exchange Dhanteras gifts with friends and family. Several on-line shopping sites which stock Dhanteras gifts items come to aid here and make big bucks cashing into the strong demand that comes up during this festive season.

Shop-It-Out So what are you waiting for? Rush to your nearest market and choose the best that you can get for yourself and for your loved ones as a Dhanteras gift. Please note that it is not really about the amount of shopping you do, it is all about being a part of the auspicious day and you can always adjust your shopping inside your budget. Even the cooking accessory that you buy need not be huge bulky pans or vessels. It is perfectly ok to choose the light and small cooking accessories like spoons and skimmers also. So go ahead and be a part of this wonderful day that brings good luck and prosperity.

Vidhi / Method Of Performing The Puja
-In the evening, after seeing the star, the women of the house get together for puja. In some houses both men & women do the puja.

-The 4 wick Deepak is placed on the pata.

-Oil/ghee is put in the Deepak with the Four Wicks.

-The Cowrie shell is placed on the Deepak.

-The Deepak is lit. This is referred as Yamadeep. This Deepak pleases Yamaraj and the pitars/departed ancestors of the family.

-Some water from the panchpatra is sprinkled around the Deepak, puja is performed with roli, chawal and money.

-Four suhali and little pethas are offered.

-Some people offer kheel and batasha also Dhoop is lit.

-Women performing the puja go around the Deepak four times and do pranam.

-The eldest woman of the family or unmarried girl of the house puts tilak from the roli to everyone sitting for the puja.

-One male staff member of the house, covers his head with a cloth, takes the lit Deepak and keeps it outside on the right side of the main gate. This person is given dakshina.

-After puja, the family members do pranaam to all the elder people to them.