Dhanteras is considered one of the most auspicious occasions for shopping in India. Buying gold, silver, utensils and other new items on this day is believed to bring happiness and prosperity. Markets remain busy as people prepare for the festival. However, according to religious beliefs and Vastu traditions, there are certain things that people are advised to avoid buying on Dhanteras. These include iron items, glass products, sharp objects, black-coloured goods and plastic items.
Iron Items
Buying iron products on Dhanteras is traditionally considered inauspicious. Religious beliefs associate iron with Shani Dev, which is why people are advised to avoid purchasing iron utensils, tools and other household items on this day. Instead, many families prefer buying items made of copper, brass and silver. These metals are traditionally associated with prosperity and are commonly included in Dhanteras shopping.
Glass Products
According to Vastu beliefs, people should avoid bringing glass items home on Dhanteras. Glass is considered fragile and can break easily. For this reason, buying glass utensils, crockery and decorative products is not considered auspicious in some traditions. People following these beliefs prefer choosing other household items instead of glass products during the festival.
Knives and Sharp Objects
Buying knives, scissors, needles and other sharp tools is also discouraged on Dhanteras. According to traditional beliefs, such objects are associated with negative energy and are best avoided on an auspicious occasion. People who follow these customs prefer postponing the purchase of sharp household tools until after the festival.
Black-Coloured Items
Black-coloured products are another category that some people avoid buying on Dhanteras. In Hindu traditions, black is generally avoided during several auspicious ceremonies. Therefore, people following this belief prefer purchasing clothes, decorative products and other household items in lighter or traditionally auspicious colours instead.
Plastic Products
Plastic items are also considered unsuitable for Dhanteras shopping according to some Vastu beliefs. Unlike metals such as gold, silver, copper and brass, plastic is not traditionally associated with prosperity. People are therefore advised to avoid buying plastic utensils, storage containers and decorative products on this day.
What Is Auspicious to Buy?
Gold and silver jewellery, coins, brass and copper utensils are among the most popular Dhanteras purchases. Buying a broom is also considered auspicious, as it is traditionally believed to help remove poverty from the home. Some families also purchase whole coriander seeds and Gomti Chakras, which are associated with good fortune and prosperity.
Keep Your Budget in Mind
Dhanteras shopping does not have to involve expensive purchases. People can buy small metal items or पूजा materials according to their needs and budget. After shopping, families traditionally worship Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber in the evening. Lighting a lamp at the main entrance of the house is also part of the festival tradition.
