Dhanteras today: Crowds flock to buy new utensils (photos)
Dhanteras is considered one of the most auspicious days for Diwali shopping, where people celebrate by adding new items, especially metals, to their households.
KATHMANDU: Today is Kartik Dwadashi, widely celebrated as Dhanteras.
It is a traditional day for buying new metal utensils made of gold, silver, copper, or iron, to bring prosperity into the home.
Dhanteras is considered one of the most auspicious days for Diwali shopping, where people celebrate by adding new items, especially metals, to their households.
In particular, the Mithila region holds a custom of purchasing new metal items and conducting rituals and prayers to commence the Diwali festival.
This evening, homes across the area will light bright lamps, decorating new metal items and invoking the blessings of Goddess Laxmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.
Since Diwali primarily centers on honoring Goddess Lakshmi, the tradition of purchasing new items on the first day aims to please the goddess from the festival’s onset.
With the lighting of lamps and evening prayers, the festival of Diwali officially begins on Dhanteras.
This special occasion has led to bustling scenes in copper, brass, and bronze shops, as well as jewelry stores.
It is widely believed that items bought on this day will bring good fortune, longevity, and profit.
