Regardless of how modern metropolitan cities become, Diwali is that one time of the year when everyone wants to embrace the age-old traditions. Dhanteras marks the first day of the festival of lights and devotees make it a point to celebrate the day elaborately. A puja is offered to Goddess Lakshmi and subsequently Dhanteras is considered an auspicious day to make purchases, ushering in the new year and new beginnings. While traditionally, gold, silver and other metal ware have been the preferred choice, we talk to city-dwellers and see what new they plan to add to their Dhanteras’ shopping list!
My mother who’s a strong devotee of Goddess Lakshmi, celebrates this festival with a lot of zeal. We definitely buy gold and silver every year and sometimes household appliances or utensils if required. It is believed that buying something new is a sign of good luck. My wife makes rangolis and small motifs on the doorstep to welcome Goddess Lakshmi and also to indicate her long-awaited arrival, small footprints are drawn with rice flour and vermilion powder all over the house.
Suryaveer Singh, Hotelier.I buy small things in silver that I can use in my mandir. I have been following this to teach my children the importance of values and traditions of each festival. My mother and grandmother used to buy steel utensils every Dhanteras, so I believe in following the same tradition as well. I am a person who likes to follow traditions, so I celebrate every festival where we decorate our house as well.
Sonal Ohri, Housewife.We usually buy a silver coin to mark the occasion. Our house is cleaned and decorated by this time and in the evening we light diyas and perform puja. We celebrate this day with good Marwadi food and sometimes we have our friends over as well. It is a good time to feel thankful for what you have and pray for the future.
Manish Agarwal, Promoter at Gati Limited.I buy some gold and silver every year on Dhanteras. Since I am a jeweller, it is the most auspicious day for buying gold and silver and it is the most important day for me. I celebrate this day by decorating my home and store, and start the day with a puja to Goddess Lakshmi. We distribute gifts and sweets and light diyas all around the house, draw footprints in our house, and, as per tradition, we light diyas outside our main entrance door with a coin placed in each of them to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. - Bunty Bajaj, Entrepreneur.
