Dhanteras

As per Hindu Calendar today is the 1st day of the 5-day "Diwali Festival" as celebrated in parts of northern India. The festival, also known as "Dhantrayodashi" or "Dhanwantari Triodasi", falls on the auspicious thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Ashwin.

The word "Dhanteras", 'Dhan' stands for wealth. On Dhanteras, the "Owl" form of the Goddess Laxmi is worshiped to provide prosperity and well being. Dhanteras holds special significance for the business community due to customary purchases of precious metals on this day.

Legends:
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An interesting story about Dhanteras Festival says that once the sixteen year old son of King Hima was doomed to die by a snake-bite on the fourth day of his marriage as per his horoscope. On that particular fourth day of his marriage his young wife did not allow him to sleep. She laid all the ornaments and lots of silver coins in a big heap at the entrance of her husband's boudoir and lighted innumerable lamps all over the place. And she went on telling stories and singing songs.

When Yama, the god of Death arrived there in the guise of a Serpent his eyes got blinded by that dazzle of those brilliant lights and he could not enter the Prince's chamber. So he climbed on top of the heap of the ornaments and coins and sat there whole night listening to the melodious songs. In the morning he quietly went away. Thus the young wife saved her husband from the clutches of death. Since then this day of Dhanteras came to be known as the day of "Yamadeepdaan" and lamps are kept burning throughout the night in reverential adoration to Yama, the god of Death.

Traditions:
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On This day Hindus consider it auspicious to purchase gold or silver articles or at least one or two new utensils. It is believed that new 'Dhan' or some form of precious metal is a sign of good luck.

I'm not very superstitious about it, but since one of my well wisher reminded me early morning, I didn't give it any second thought and Ordered my "BIG GEAR (surprise as of now :) )".

I couldn't think anything better than This Indoor "RED Leaf + Silver Coin" shot. The design in the coin are of Goddess Laxmi & Lord Ganesha.

Happy Festival Season to you All.