Dhan Teras

Today is Dhan Teras, a festival , which is celebrated two days before Diwali.  Dhan means wealth and Teras means thirteen. Dhan Teras festival falls on the thirteenth day of  the month of  Kartik,  Lakshmi - the Goddess of wealth - is worshipped to provide prosperity and well being  of the family. In the evening, the lamp is lit and Dhan-Lakshmi is welcomed into the house. Alpana or Rangoli designs are drawn on pathways including the goddess' footprints to mark the arrival of Lakshmi. Aartis or devotional hymns are sung in praise of  Goddess Lakshmi and sweets and fruits are offered to her. People flock to the jewelers and buy gold or silver jewelry or utensils to venerate the occasion of Dhan Teras. Many wear new clothes and wear jewelry as they light the first lamp of Diwali.
                                        An ancient legend ascribes the occasion to an interesting story about the 16 year old son of King Hima. His horoscope predicted his death by snake-bite on the fourth day of his marriage. On that particular day, his newly-wed wife did not allow him to sleep. She laid out all her ornaments and lots of gold and silver coins in a heap at the entrance of the sleeping chamber and lit lamps all over the place. Then she narrated stories and sang songs to keep her husband from falling asleep. The next day, when Yama, the god of Death, arrived at the prince’s doorstep in the guise of a Serpent, his eyes were dazzled and blinded by the brilliance of the lamps and the jewelry. Yama could not enter the Prince's chamber, so he climbed on top of the heap of gold coins and sat there the entire night listening to the stories and songs. In the morning, he silently went away. Thus, the young prince was saved from the clutches of death by the cleverness of his new bride, and the day came to be celebrated as Dhan Teras
                                                On this day people flock to the shops of jewelers and vessels. It is believed that at least  one  utensil has to be bought , which is laid on the feet of Mata Lakshmi.Shown here are the shops decorated to  attract people  to purchase  for Dhan Teras and Diwali.

                                         
                
Rangoli is made in bright colors at the entrance of the house to welcome the Goddess,Some designs are given below to depict colorful Rangolis


                     


There is all round enthusiasm duing this festival, which  goes on upto Bhai Duj/


Written for Write Tribe  Pro Blogger day  81