New Delhi: This year a little confusion is there regarding the date and time of Dhanteras, a festival of wealth and prosperity.
Dhanteras, which is also called Dhantrayodashi, is observed during the 13th lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik.
According to the Hindu Panchaang, the Trayodashi Tithi will begin at 06:02 PM on 22 October and end at 06:03 PM on 23 October.
Therefore, many people are unsure whether this auspicious occasion of Dhanteras should be observed today (22 October) or tomorrow (23 October).
According to Pandit Bhairinath Mishra, this time Dhanteras will be celebrated over two days.
"Is baari Dhanteras do din manaya jaega. 22 October shaam se 23 October shaam tak manaya jaega (This year Dhanteras is falling on two days. The shubh muhurat for celebrating the festival will start from the evening of 22 October and will continue till the evening of 23 October," said Pandit Mishra.
Dhanteras is derived from two words 'Dhan' and 'Teras'. Dhan represents riches, and Teras denotes the thirteenth day. The five-day Diwali festival starts on this day, also known as Dhanatrayodashi.
According to Drik Panchang, on Dhanteras one must purchase precious metals and idols at a specific time. The auspicious timing to buy gold and silver begins at 06:02 pm on 22 October and ends at 06:03 pm on 23 October.
