Know Why Buying Broomsticks on Dhanteras is Luckier than Buying Gold!
For most Indians, Dhanteras means gold shopping. Jewellery stores overflow, banks
promote coins, and people rush to buy even a gram of gold to mark the day. But few know that according to ancient traditions, buying a broomstick (jhadu) on Dhanteras is considered even luckier than buying gold.
Yes, you read that right. A humble broom, the most ordinary item in your home, carries spiritual significance that gold can’t match. Let’s dig into why this tradition exists and why you might want to add a broomstick to your shopping cart this Dhanteras.
The Symbolism Behind the Broomstick
In Indian culture, the broom is more than just a cleaning tool. It is seen as a symbol of Goddess Laxmi herself, the goddess of wealth, fortune, and purity.
Sweeping away dust is believed to sweep away poverty, negativity, and obstacles.
A new broom represents a fresh start, welcoming good luck and prosperity into the home.
Just as Laxmi loves cleanliness, bringing home a broom on Dhanteras is like inviting her blessings directly into your household.
Fun fact: In many households, people even avoid touching the broom with their feet because it is considered disrespectful to the goddess.
Gold vs. Broom: The Luck Factor
While buying gold is associated with financial growth, buying a broom is linked with spiritual and domestic prosperity. Think of it this way:
Gold sits in a locker, but a broom works daily to keep your home clean and energy positive.
A broom brings balance between wealth and well-being, ensuring money flows smoothly without obstacles.
Unlike gold, which is about personal wealth, a broom benefits the entire family’s harmony.
In essence, gold may multiply your money, but a broom multiplies your peace.
The Ritual of Buying a Broom on Dhanteras
The tradition is simple yet powerful. On Dhanteras day:
- Buy a new broomstick (usually before sunset)
- Place it near your puja area or Laxmi idol.
- Use it the next morning after lighting a diya to sweep the entrance of your home, symbolizing removal of negativity and welcoming fortune.
Some families even decorate their brooms with a little haldi-kumkum, making them sacred objects instead of just cleaning tools.
A Sustainable Symbol of Prosperity
In today’s age, the broomstick carries an extra layer of meaning. Unlike gold that requires mining and consumption, a broom is:
Eco-friendly (made of natural grass or sticks).
Affordable, allowing everyone, rich or poor, to participate in Dhanteras rituals.
Useful daily, unlike luxury items stored away for years.
For Millennials and Gen Z especially, this sustainable symbolism resonates prosperity should not harm the planet.
Stories and Beliefs Behind the Custom
Folklore suggests that a home with a clean floor and entrance attracts Goddess Laxmi, while dirt and clutter attract Alakshmi, the goddess of poverty and misfortune.
Hence, the broom is the guardian tool that protects your home from negativity.
Elders also say that a new broom bought on Dhanteras helps remove past year’s financial troubles and clears the way for abundance in the coming year.
Modern Interpretation - Beyond Rituals
Even if you’re not deeply spiritual, the practice of buying a broom can be seen as symbolic self-care for your home.
It’s about starting the festive season with clean, positive energy.
It’s a reminder that true wealth is not just in gold coins, but in health, harmony, and happiness at home.
And honestly, what’s a brighter Diwali than a sparkling, clutter-free home?
This Dhanteras, don’t just queue up outside jewellery shops. Instead, stop by your local market, pick up a fresh broomstick, and embrace a tradition that is as old as it is meaningful.
Because while gold can make you look rich, a broom ensures you live rich in peace, positivity, and prosperity.
So, light your diyas, buy your gold if you must, but don’t forget the broom, it might just be the luckiest purchase you make this festive season.
