What is Dhanteras? Why is it an Auspicious Day to buy Gold?
As one of the major cultural festivals in Singapore, Deepavali (also known as “Diwali” or the “Festival of Lights”) is a celebration that marks the triumph of good over evil.
It’s when thousands of Hindu families transform their homes into beacons of light, exchange gifts, share feasts and perform pooja (prayers) to deities such as Lakshmi, the goddess of fertility and prosperity.
What is Dhanteras?
Dhanteras is a hindu festival that falls two days before Diwali each year. Dhanteras, also known as Dhanvantari Trayodashi, marks the beginning of the Diwali festive season. The word “Dhan” means wealth in Sanskrit, and the word “Theras” translates to 13th and is related to the 13th lunar day of the Hindu Lunar calendar, marking the first day of the five-day Diwali festival.
The Tradition of Buying Gold on Dhanteras
Dhanteras is also considered a highly auspicious day to buy gold and silver as these precious metals are said to protect one from bad omens.
There’s an interesting legend related to this belief. The legend goes that astrologers predicted that the son of King Hima would die on the fourth day of his marriage. The king's wife made sure her husband did not sleep and laid out her ornaments along with a heap of gold coins and silver coins at the entrance of the chamber. She also lit lamps at the door and narrated stories and sang songs to keep him from falling asleep.
Lord Yama, the God of death, disguised himself as a serpent and made his way to the king's chambers, but when he reached the doorstep, he was entranced and blinded by the brilliance of the lamps and jewellery that lay before him. When the sun rose the next day, the serpent silently left. Hence, thanks to his wife's wit, the king lived to see a new day. That day is celebrated as Dhanteras.
It is believed that gold symbolises good luck and shall come back in a much higher amount if bought on this day. Overall, Dhanteras is the beginning of Diwali and an auspicious day when people invoke the blessings of the divine deities for wealth and prosperity.
Every year, jewellery purchases across Asia soar in the run-up to Diwali, a holiday period when buying gold is considered auspicious. In India, where the festival of lights is widely celebrated, employees often receive bonuses and special gifts, while sales of gold coins and bars surge ahead of Dhanteras, the first day of Diwali.
If you have not started on your Deepavali shopping, now is the time to do so, join in the festive mood in Little India with us and spend some time with your family or friends! With Deepavali bazaar stalls selling everything from decorative and festive items to Deepavali gifts and sweets the annual festival bazaar is usually a highlight of Deepavali.
References:
https://www.sassymamasg.com/kid-friendly-guide-deepavali-singapore-diwali/
https://www.thenationalnews.com/lifestyle/family/2021/11/02/what-is-dhanteras-and-why-do-indians-buy-gold-to-celebrate/
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/events/happy-dhanteras-2018-what-is-the-dhanteras-dhanteras-kab-hai-wishes-messages-quotes-greetings-muhurat/articleshow/66500152.cms
https://www.candere.com/blog/dhanteras.html