Dhanteras is here, marking the start of Diwali with a cherished tradition: shopping. Buying new items, especially metal utensils, is believed to welcome wealth and prosperity. This guide helps you choose wisely.
The Tradition of Dhanteras Shopping
Dhanteras, a compound of 'Dhan' (wealth)
and 'Teras' (thirteenth day), is the day to welcome prosperity. The tradition is rooted in the story of Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician, who emerged from the cosmic ocean with a pot, or 'kalash', of immortal nectar. For this reason, buying a new vessel is a symbolic act of bringing health and abundance into the home. On this day, families worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kuber, and Lord Dhanvantari, seeking blessings for wealth, fortune, and well-being. The act of making a thoughtful purchase is itself a ritual, setting a hopeful tone for the year ahead.
Auspicious Metals to Welcome Home
Not all metals are considered equal on Dhanteras. Traditional wisdom favours those known for their purity, durability, and positive associations. Brass ('Pital') is a classic choice, valued for being affordable, long-lasting, and pure enough for worship. It's also linked to good health, aligning with Lord Dhanvantari. Copper ('Tamba') is another excellent option, especially for water vessels, due to its revered place in Ayurveda. Silver is believed to attract calming energy and represents peace and wealth. While gold is a primary choice for its strong association with Goddess Lakshmi, buying even a small silver coin or utensil is considered highly auspicious. Many families purchase a new brass diya, a kalash, or silver puja articles that will be used for daily worship.
The Practical Choice: Stainless Steel
While tradition often highlights brass and copper, stainless steel utensils are a very common and practical purchase on Dhanteras. As instruments of nourishment, new kitchen items symbolise a household's well-being and ability to care for its members. A new set of steel bowls, a pressure cooker, or serving spoons are seen as auspicious because they are items of lasting value that will be used daily, bringing a sense of abundance into the kitchen. When buying any new utensil, many follow the custom of never bringing it home empty. It is often filled with water, rice, or sweets first to symbolise a home brimming with prosperity.
What to Avoid on Your Shopping Trip
Just as some items are recommended, others are traditionally avoided. Iron is chief among them. In astrology, iron is linked to the planet Saturn (Shani), and purchasing it on this day is believed to attract challenging energy. For this reason, many people also avoid buying steel, which is an alloy containing iron, though this is a less strictly followed custom. Sharp objects like knives, scissors, and needles should also be skipped, as they are thought to symbolically 'cut' or sever good fortune. It’s a day for welcoming things whole and complete.
Other Items to Leave at the Store
The list of items to avoid extends beyond just metals. Glassware and ceramics are often sidestepped because their fragility is seen as a metaphor for brittle prosperity. They are also associated with the planet Rahu, which can have an unstable influence. Similarly, items that are black in colour are generally not purchased on Dhanteras, as the colour is linked with negativity in this festive context. Some traditions also advise against buying oil or ghee on this specific day. The idea is to have these essentials at home beforehand rather than acquiring them on the day of wealth itself.
