Dhanteras 2021: Significance, date, shubh muhurat to purchase gold

Dhanteras or Dhanatrayodashi is celebrated before Diwali. The occasion calls for purchase of precious metals such as gold and silver in the form of jewellery and utensils.

On Dhanteras, people light earthen lamps while performing the puja in which they place their new purchases of gold, copper, broze, silver and various other items including electronic appliances and everyday use gadgets, next to the idol of the deity.

It is believed that shopping for gold and silver makes a person prosperous and brings them more wealth. Idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh, who are worshipped on the day of Diwali, are also purchased on Dhanteras.

Date and significance

This year, Dhanteras falls on Tuesday, November 2. Legend has it that on the day of Dhantrayodashi, the first day of the five-day long Diwali festivities, Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean, during the churning of the milky sea, bearing gold.

This is why Goddess Lakshmi along with Lord Kubera – God of Wealth, is worshipped on the auspicious day of ‘Trayodashi’.

In the olden days, people mostly only purchased utensils like plates and spoons which were considered to be equally auspicious. These days, people purchase gold jewellery to make a symbolic reference to Goddess Lakshmi’s emergence with gold.

Drik Panchang

According to Drik Panchang the auspicious time on Dhanteras is between 11:31 am on November 2 and 06:35 am on November 3. You can also buy gold during a short window on November 3, with auspicious purchase timings on the day between 06:35 am and 09:02 am.

Also read: Green Diwali Ideas: 5 Innovative ways to celebrate pollution-free Diwali