Patna: Residents of Patna are all set to celebrate Dhanteras with great zeal on Tuesday, honouring the age-old tradition with devotion. Homes are thoroughly cleaned and adorned to welcome Goddess Lakshmi on the sacred 13th day of Kartik month in the Hindu calendar. The city’s jewellery shops have been beautifully lit, reflecting a custom cherished by Hindus for generations — purchasing metals on this auspicious day. While wealthier buyers flock to gold and silver counters, many others head to utensil shops for copper and steel, ensuring everyone partakes in the festive spirit.
In bustling markets like Bakerganj, Muradpur, Hathwa Market, Boring Road and Kankarbagh, jewellery stores proudly display their latest collections, anticipating eager customers. Utensil shops, too, are fully stocked, prepared for brisk sales. The historic Thatheri Bazaar, located opposite Patna Science College — once called ‘Badshah Ganj’— has also sprung to life, brimming with fresh copper wares. “Ordinarily, few people come here,” says Shankar, a shopkeeper in Thatheri Bazaar, “but on Dhanteras and during wedding seasons, we see a noticeable rush.”
Automobile showrooms are equally optimistic. “Many buyers have already booked their bikes and cars, planning to take delivery on Dhanteras,” said an automobile dealer on Boring Road. Electronic stores dealing in TVs, washing machines and other gadgets anticipate a similar surge in sales.
Discussing the festival’s significance, former head of Patna University’s ancient history department, Jayadeo Mishra, said, “Dhanteras has been celebrated since ancient times as mentioned in the Puranas. Cleanliness is integral to this festival. Many buy brooms to honour this tradition.”
Sanskrit scholar Jata Shankar Jha said, “Beyond metal purchases, Dhanteras celebrates the birth of Lord Dhanvantari, the deity of health. It is said that on this day, he emerged with a pot of nectar during the ocean churning, symbolising divinity and immortality.”