On Dhanteras We Worship Lakshmi The Goddess of Wealth

In 2017 Dhanteras is on Tuesday, October 17, and this day marks the beginning of the most exciting Hindu festival of the year: Diwali! “Dhan” means wealth and “teras” refers to the 13th day of the lunar calendar month Ashwin. This day is a time to reflect on our wealth, and a tool prescribed to us by our sages to help us do this is Lakshmi Puja. The family gets together to thank Lakshmi Mata, the Goddess of wealth, for all of their blessings and to ask for continued wealth in their lives.

Remind Yourself What Wealth is on Dhanteras

Wealth is defined in many ways – it is not just a monetary measurement. Everything we have from the clothes on our body and the roofs over our heads to our human birth and the people that surround us encompass our real wealth. We have so many things to be grateful for: our health, the love from our family and friends, our thinking and physical abilities and what we are able to do with all of these resources. It is when we are able to recognize these things that we are truly happy. We use Dhanteras as a day to reflect upon all of the wealth we have and share this time with our loved ones in prayer and celebration.

Invite Lakshmi Into Your Home With Rangoli

Rangoli is another symbol associated with Dhanteras. The colorful designs made of flour, powder and rice that people make just outside their doorways are meant to invite Lakshmi Mata into their homes. Rangoli designs come in all shapes and sizes, here are some sites that offer templates if you want to make your own:

• DLTK Rangoli Templates
• Diwalifestival.org Rangoli Templates
• Activity Village – How To Make Rangoli Designs

Here’s my mom and me making rangoli before Diwali a few years ago:

We just drew a design on a poster board with pencil, then filled it in with colored powder. Your local Indian stores probably have some “authentic” powder if you want, or I’m sure a local craft store such as Michael’s would be able to help you find color sand or something similar.

Learn more about the significance of rangoli and decorate your home to remind yourself to think about the real meaning of Lakshmi this Dhanteras.