Dhanteras is celebrated on the thirteenth day (teras) of the Krishna paksha (the waning cycle) of the lunar month of Ashwin in the Hindu calendar. It heralds the beginning of the five days of Diwali, the biggest festival for Hindus in India and all over the world. Dhanteras falls on October 26th, 2008.
Dhanteras also has great importance for the trading and business communities in India. Homes and businesses undergo a tremendous transformation via extensive cleaning, renovations and decorations. Traditional artwork of rangoli designs are made to welcome the Lakshmi – Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Lakshmi puja is performed in the evenings and naivedya – a collection of traditional sweets – is offered as prasad to the Goddess.
Karva Chauth is celebrated on the fourth day of the waning moon (the period after Sharad Poornima). It usually falls in late October, ten days or so before Diwali. According to tradition, women keep a day-long fast and pray to Goddess Parvati for the health and longevity of their husbands.
The Durga Suktam is a combination of mantras and prayers sung in praise of Goddess Durga after the recitation of the Durga Saptasati (seven hundred verse katha). It is particularly relevant during the Navaratri as it helps the devotee focus on the varied and multiple forms and qualities of the feminine power – the Goddess.
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