From copper-brass to gold-silver… how and why this ancient tradition of shopping and its history changed on Dhanteras


In Sanatan culture, folk faith and Vedic traditions Dhanteras The holy festival of Diwali is considered to be the first and biggest gateway to the celebration of Diwali. On this sacred festival celebrated on the Trayodashi date of Krishna Paksha of Kartik month, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the creator of the world and the God of Health, is worshiped. Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess of wealth Mata Lakshmi and Lord Kuber, protector of treasures. Worship is done according to the rituals. There is a deep religious belief that on this special day, whoever buys new items, metals or jewelery in his house, his house remains filled with happiness, prosperity, glory and health throughout the year. A lot may have changed in our lifestyle and priorities over time, but the enthusiasm for shopping on Dhanteras is still as strong. However, if we look at the journey from ancient times to the modern era, this tradition that started with copper, brass and bronze utensils has today spread to expensive gold and silver jewelery and modern electronic gadgets. Let us know in detail how this ancient tradition of buying metal on Dhanteras actually started and what major changes have taken place in it over time.

The mythological story of Dhanteras is related to the churning of the ocean and the appearance of Lord Dhanvantari.

Mythology and history have a deep connection behind the tradition of buying metal on the day of Dhanteras. According to Hindu scriptures, of Ksheer Sagar (Sea of ​​Milk) sea ​​churning The father of Ayurveda and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu on the Trayodashi date of Krishna Paksha of Kartik month during Lord Dhanvantari Had appeared.

According to mythological accounts, when Lord Dhanvantari appeared, he had in his hands the Pitambara and the healer of the world. Metal pot (kalash) filled with nectar Was beautiful. He had incarnated with the sacred objective of liberating this world from all types of physical diseases, sufferings and untimely death. Since Lord Dhanvantari appeared with a metal pot of nectar in his hands, it has since become a belief in Sanatan Dharma that bringing home any item made of metal on this auspicious day of Trayodashi is tantamount to inviting nectar and health. Since then, the tradition of buying utensils or metal on this day has been going on for generations.

How was Dhanteras shopping done in earlier times? there was an era of copper and brass

If we talk about the times of our elders or ancient times, the nature of shopping on the day of Dhanteras was quite different and virtuous as compared to today. In that period people mainly went to the market Copper, brass or bronze Used to buy utensils made from it.

Behind that ancient tradition was hidden not only religious belief, but also scientific and practical viewpoint. Copper and brass utensils were considered symbols of purity, strength and health. People used to buy brass pots, pans, plates or copper kalash for the kitchen of their homes, which were brought home as Prasad to Goddess Lakshmi. The use of these utensils infused positive energy into the house and helped in maintaining good health of the family. At that time, bringing metal home was considered the greatest prosperity.

How did tradition change in changing times? Journey from copper-brass to gold-silver and gadgets

As times changed, modernity made its place and people’s economic condition and lifestyle improved, the shopping trend of Dhanteras also changed completely. In today’s modern era, traditional utensils made of copper and brass have been replaced. Gold, silver coins, jewelery and expensive electronic gadgets Has taken.

Today’s youth and modern families are not limited to just buying utensils on the day of Dhanteras, rather they like to buy gold and silver jewellery, cars, bikes, mobile phones, laptops and other modern luxuries as per their capacity and choice. However, loyalty to tradition continues even today, and people still buy a small spoon or bowl of copper or brass to perform the ritual of buying utensils, so that the value of the ancient tradition is maintained and the needs of modernity are also fulfilled.

Why is buying gold and silver considered so auspicious on Dhanteras?

There are two main reasons behind buying gold and silver on Dhanteras – the first is religious and the second is economic and scientific. From the religious point of view, since Lord Dhanvantari appeared with a golden-shining pot of metal, gold and silver are considered to be his direct blessings.

It is believed that if gold or silver is brought to the house on the day of Dhanteras, then Goddess Lakshmi and God Kuber are extremely pleased with it, due to which there is never any shortage of money and grains in the house. This purchase indicates uninterrupted prosperity, respect, fame and a bright future. Apart from this, economically, gold and silver are considered to be the safest and most valuable investments, which become the biggest support for the family in times of emergency.

When is Dhanteras 2026? Note down the exact date and auspicious time

According to Vedic calendar and astrological calculations, this year Trayodashi date of Krishna Paksha of Kartik month i.e. This holy festival of Dhanteras is 6 November 2026 Will be celebrated. On this day, during the Pradosh period in the evening, Lord Dhanvantari, Mata Lakshmi and Kuber Dev are worshiped and a lamp in the name of Yamraj is lit at the main entrance of the houses. If you also want to welcome happiness and prosperity in your home on this Dhanteras, then according to your faith and capacity, you can carry forward this ancient and auspicious tradition by purchasing utensils ranging from copper-brass to gold and silver.