Dhanteras

Dusshera is over and the festival of lights - Diwali is just upon us. Interestingly, not all people know that the festival of Diwali is actually a five day long celebration which begins with Dhanteras. The festival of Dhanteras falls in the month of October-November on the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight, as the word ‘Dhan’ literally means wealth and ‘Teras’ comes from the date thirteenth. It is celebrated two days before the festival of lights and also known as ‘Yamadeepdaan’.

On Dhanteras, Lakshmi – Goddess of wealth is worshipped to provide prosperity and well being. Hindus also worship Lord Kuber as the treasurer of wealth and bestower of riches, along with Goddess Lakshmi.

Case in point bring up the word ‘Dhanteras’ and chances are everyone around you will immediately talk of buying Gold, Silver, Diamonds, Clothes, Utensils, electronics and other items of value. Of course it is an occasion to seek wealth and prosperity, but how this tradition comes about?

As the legend goes, the horoscope of king Hima’s sixteen year old son read that he would die on the fourth day of his marriage by a snake bite. On that particular day, the prince’s young wife laid all her ornaments, gold and silver coins in a big heap at the entrance of her husband’s chamber, lighted lamps all over and starting singing songs and narrating stories. When Yama arrived in the form of snake, his eyes got dazzle and blinded by the brilliance of the lamps and jewellery and he couldn’t enter the prince’s chamber. In a trance like state, he sat on top of the heap and spent the whole night listening to the melodious songs, thus missing his deadline and sparing the prince’s life.

For this reason, this is considered an auspicious time to buy gold and silver and light earthen lamps or deep and these are kept burning throughout the night glorifying Yama (God of death). 

The First lamp of Diwali are lit on this day. People hang up paper lanterns with festoons and send out the message of the arrival of Diwali. Dhanteras is not all about material wealth, it is also a time to develop spiritual wealth and family bonding. All family members arrive at ancestral home on the day. Grandparents and Parents wait for the day as sons, daughters and grandchildren arrive from distant places.

Happy Dhanteras to all of you!

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Jaipur- The City of Love

When one talks about romantic getaways, Paris or Switzerland are the first to come in mind but what if India’s very own ‘Pink City’ Jaipur with its royalty and grandeur attached to its name has been listed as one of the 25 most romantic cities in the world being at 18^th position adding another feature to its glory. There is something in the air of the Pink city that makes it effortlessly romantic. It’s walls painted in red and pink, markets covered under the veil of bright sunny colors, the new striving with the old Jaipur brings something for everyone. It beholds the mixture of love, culture and remains from the past.There are forts, temples,luscious green gardens and street bazaars to explore hand in hand with your partner.

Take a elephant ride to the Amber fort through the cities bustling and sultry  streets will awaken all of your senses with its  rich culture and regal history and enjoy light and sound show at Amber. Let your loved one know what’s in your heart and mind while all the lights around you are lit bright.

Go for hot air balloon ride with the love of your life. Just imagine a scene where you are thousands of feet above the ground and soaking the beauty of Pink city with your loved one.

Watch the Polo match, the game of royals.

Nahargarh Fort ,definitely worth a visit. Located on the rocky ridge of Arravali hills,it offers the most striking view of Jaipur’s scenic landscape.During the night, when the entire city gets lit up, its sparkling view  from the windows of fort are just mesmerizing.

Visit Jal mahal , a dream like palace standing in the middle of a vast lake in the town of royals.

Walk through the Jaldhara water fountain and park ;have high tea at the Taj Rambagh Palace and ride a motorcycle up-to Jaigarh Fort at sunset for unparalleled city views.

So whether its your honeymoon, anniversary, valentine’s day,marriage or just a surprise getaway, Jaipur is full of classical Indian heritage and balances a perfect amount of cultural sights and relaxation. This is an ideal place for a couple who want to experience something completely new.

For more blogs visit https://www.ethnicrajasthan.com/blogs/blog

Immerse yourself and your loved ones in the spirit of Rajasthan with a wide range of vibrant outfits ,home furnishing and accessories choices at Ethnic Rajasthan.