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As Diwali approaches, it begins with Dhanteras, a day dedicated to prosperity and good health. This year, Dhanteras falls on October 29th, marking a sacred beginning to the festive season. People celebrate Dhanteras by buying precious metals, as they believe it brings good luck and wealth.
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Alongside these traditions, Dhanteras is also a day to honour Lord Dhanvantari, the divine healer in Hindu mythology who brought the gift of Ayurveda. This festival is about blessings for a healthy and abundant life, and food plays an essential role in the celebrations. Various auspicious dishes are prepared to attract positivity, wellness, and prosperity into homes, making the day even more special.
List Of Food Items To Eat On Dhanteras
Rice Kheer
A favourite across Indian households, rice kheer holds a special place in Dhanteras celebrations. Made by slowly simmering rice in milk until it reaches a thick, creamy consistency, rice kheer is flavoured with cardamom and topped with chopped nuts like almonds or cashews. This sweet dish represents prosperity, as rice and milk are symbols of wealth and abundance. Many offer it as a part of puja rituals, adding extra sweetness and richness to the day’s celebrations.
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Boondi Laddu
Boondi laddu is another traditional sweet enjoyed during Dhanteras. This delightful treat, made from tiny gram flour pearls soaked in sugar syrup and shaped into laddus, is associated with happiness and prosperity. Offering boondi laddu to the deities and sharing it with family members on Dhanteras is believed to bring good fortune. Its sweetness and golden colour are reminders of abundance and blessings, making it an essential part of the Dhanteras food spread.
Panchamrit
Panchamrit, also known as panchamrut, is a sacred blend of five ingredients: milk, curd, honey, sugar, and ghee. Each element in Panchamrit has its significance: milk symbolises purity, curd represents strength, honey denotes sweetness, sugar signifies happiness, and ghee brings prosperity. Prepared and offered during Dhanteras rituals, panchamrit is believed to bring luck, health, and spiritual benefits. This drink is traditionally used in Hindu worship and is shared among family members as a sign of blessing.
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Lapsi
Originating from Rajasthan, lapsi is a dessert made with broken wheat, ghee, and jaggery. It’s especially popular during festivals as it represents abundance and gratitude. Broken wheat is roasted in ghee until golden, then simmered with jaggery, creating a warm and comforting dish. Garnished with nuts, lapsi is enjoyed as part of Dhanteras meals to invoke blessings for prosperity and fulfilment. Its sweet, earthy flavour adds richness to the festive season.
Kheel Bhatashe
Kheel bhatashe, a simple yet meaningful offering made from rice and sugar, is a classic treat on Dhanteras. This combination is used in prayers to symbolise the hope for a fruitful harvest and a prosperous year. Kheel, which is puffed rice, represents the staple food that sustains life, while bhatashe, made from sugar, adds sweetness. This offering is made to the divine, and families enjoy it together afterwards to bring luck and harmony into their homes.
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Naivedya
In Maharashtra, naivedya is a special offering prepared during Dhanteras and is believed to carry auspicious blessings. It’s made using jaggery and coriander seeds, creating a sweet and slightly spiced treat. Naivedya is symbolic of wealth and purity and is served as a part of the puja to seek blessings. This dish is easy to prepare and adds a unique flavour to the Dhanteras meal. Sharing it with loved ones signifies unity and prosperity within the family.
Atte Ka Halwa
Atte ka halwa is a simple yet beloved dessert made from wheat flour, ghee, and sugar. Prepared by roasting wheat flour in ghee until it’s golden and aromatic, this dish symbolises strength and health. Adding chopped nuts enhances its taste, making it a popular choice during festive gatherings. On Dhanteras, atte ka halwa is often offered as prasad, symbolising abundance and sustenance for the family. Its warm, comforting flavour makes it perfect for welcoming the festive season.
