Dhanteras marks the first day of the five-day Diwali festival. It is about purchasing gold, silver, and new items, and then follows with rituals of selective food items that promise an auspicious future. Indians in the USA can continue their celebrations and their families can remain closer to their roots by trying auspicious foods that will suit their meal, reminding them of festive numbers at home.

Here is a list of food items you can celebrate Dhanteras 2024 with because they are considered to bring good fortune and prosperity.

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Here is a list of food items you can celebrate Dhanteras 2024 USA:

Rice Items

Significance: Rice is considered a sacred one for many in Indian rituals and is used for purity and prosperity. On Dhanteras, dishes like kheer or pulao can be prepared and offered to the gods.
What to Try in the USA : Prepare local ingredients like rice and make these traditional dishes. This could be a saffron-infused rice pudding or a festive vegetable pulao, easy yet luscious in your American kitchen.

Also Read: Dhanteras 2024: Date, Time, and Puja Muhurat for Indians in the USA

Sweets (Mithai)

What it Symbolizes: Indians cannot imagine a festival without sweets. The eve of Dhanteras on one hand signifies offering and then eating sweets to bring joy, prosperity, and good fortune.
What to Try in the USA: Traditional Indian sweets, such as laddus, barfi and jalebis, are always a hit. If you are particularly busy, Indian sweets are available in any local Indian grocery store, or you can try some simple recipes, such as coconut laddus or semolina halwa.

Ghee-containing dishes

Symbolism: Ghee is taken as a symbol of prosperity and richness. You cook special meals for the family and present offerings to the deities.
What to Try in the USA: You can cook dishes such as ghee-laden parathas, puran poli, or even ghee for sweets like besan laddus. The richness of ghee symbolizes wealth and good health for the coming year.

Also Read: Dhanteras 2024 USA: What to Buy for Good Luck and Prosperity

Pomegranate

Symbolism: Pomegranates signify fertility, abundance, and success. The deep red color of the fruit is taken to symbolize riches and good fortune.
What to Try in the USA: Pomegranate is stocked in almost any American grocery store. You may use them as ingredients in making fresh fruit salads, add it to the traditional dishes, or just serve the seeds during your offering.

Dairy Products

Symbolism: Milk is treated like something pure and pure, and diary products like curd and paneer are put to widespread use in the offerings and festival food.
What to Try in the USA: Recipes for paneer curries, milk-based kheer or ras malai can be made to celebrate Dhanteras. Milk sweets are believed to usher good luck and happiness.

Coconut

Symbols: Coconut is considered sacred in the Hindu religion and is offered to the god on auspicious occasions. It represents prosperity, purity, and goodwill.
What to Try in the USA: Fresh coconut or desiccated coconut can be used in recipes such as coconut barfi or nariyal ladoo. One can also offer coconut water during prayers as a gesture of purity.

Ideas for simple dhanteras food ideas for families in the USA

If you are in the USA then you don’t get all the products but still, you can make what is locally available and prepare simple dishes which hold equal importance.

Sweet Rice (Kheer): A simple dish prepared from rice, milk, sugar. Add saffron or cardamom to enhance the flavor.
Besan Laddus: For laddus which are tasty, use ghee and chickpea flour. It would make laddus just for this time.
Fruit Salad: As pomegranates, bananas, and apples are considered lucky fruits, they can be added to an auspicious fruit salad.

Dhanteras 2024 in the United States, and you could still keep nothing out of your mind about back home traditions. Preparing or purchasing these sacred foods would keep you close to Indian roots and would help you celebrate the festival, just the same way and with the same meaning. These are sweets, ghee-based dishes, or fruits symbolically speaking. Good luck and prosperity are sure to be ushered into your family.

Dhanteras Foods FAQs

Diwali, popularly referred to as the festival of lights, is one of the biggest Indian festivals in any part of the world. It is all about happiness, joy, and positive energy. For Indians, living in the USA, the beautification of home during Diwali is an excellent means of remaining connected with their roots and traditions. Want some easy and creative ways to make your home Diwali-friendly in 2024?

Here are some easy ways you could light up your place.

Traditional Diyas (Clay Lamps)

Diyas are also a part of Diwali festive decoration. These clay lamps represent good over evil and ultimately signify how light will overcome darkness. You can line windows, stairs, or even your front porch with them. Add a little ghee or oil, and you’re ready for a classic, glowing light.

Fairy Lights

Add a little touch of modernity with fairy lights. Hang your tiny twinkly lights around your living room, balcony, or even devotional space. In the USA, you can easily get color-shaped string lights in almost all the local stores or even opt for these online.

Also read: Diwali 2024 in the USA: Date, History, Significance, and Celebration

Torans (Door Hangings)

A beautiful garland hung outside the entrance of the home. It can be made up of marigold flowers, mango leaves, or even beautiful designs on fabrics. Toran makes your front door welcome guests warmly while adding an Indian flavor to your home.

Rangoli Designs

Rangoli is a type of art through which colorful patterns are made on the floor using powdered colors, rice, or flowers. You can make simple rangoli designs near your entrance or in your living room. And if you are here in the USA, then you can use rangoli stencils or rangoli stickers for an easier, mess-free option.

Also Read: Diwali 2024 USA: Easy, Quick Instant Chakli Snacks Recipe

Floral Decorations

Fresh flowers can add vibrancy and zest to your home. Marigolds, roses-whatever kind of flowers you use, fresh flowers will not miss to make a statement in your home. You can place them in the form of garlands on your doors or add them to give a personal touch to your prayer room. You can even float them in a bowl of water as a beautiful centerpiece.

Candles and Lanterns

Diya can be accompanied by candles or lanterns as well to give a decorative and festive glow within the home. Lanterns, especially in gold and vibrant colors, are a reminder of the old but it now will look like a modern house. Place diya on decorative holders in and around the house to create a soft glowing ambiance.

Cushions and Curtains Decorative

Bring the festive feel of Diwali to your home with colorful cushions and curtains. Traditional Indian prints like paisley or floral prints would make your living room festive and warm.

Puja Area Setup

Diwali is not complete without the Lakshmi Puja, where Goddess Lakshmi is revered for her wealth and prosperity. Set up a special puja area with idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha, fresh flowers, diyas, and incense sticks. Decorate this space beautifully to create a peaceful corner of reverence during the festival.

Themed Wall Hangings for Diwali

You can also add some Diwali-themed wall hangings to the living room or even to the entrance. These can be traditional Indian motifs like elephants, peacocks, or decorative mirrors. In the USA, you can easily find these in Indian stores or order them online.

Table Decorations

For your dining table, opt for a lovely tablecloth with traditional designs and decorate your centerpiece with candles or flowers. To sum it all up, add decorative plates and napkins to make your Diwali dinner feel extra special.

Where to Buy Diwali Decorations in the USA

Diwali decorations can be easily found at most Indian grocery stores or ethnic markets across the USA. Even Amazon, Etsy, and Walmart carry a variety of Diwali-themed lights, rangoli kits, and home decor.
Diwali decorations make the space within your house warm, lit, and full of joy at this time of festival. Choose between the traditional rangoli or diyas and fairy lights and candles to add a basic concept and create a festive and welcoming atmosphere in your house. Even while living in the USA, it will make your Diwali celebration special and remind you of home.

The ISKCON of Central New Jersey (ICNJ) is located at 1020 W. 7th Street, Plainfield, NJ. This lord Krishna temple opens at 4:30 AM with Mangala Aarti and closes at 9:00 PM after the completion of Sayan Aarti at 8:45 PM. ISKCON of Central New Jersey (ICNJ) also offers Kirtan & Bhajans, Kids Sunday School, Cultural Activities & Festivals, Youth Programs & University Preaching, etc.

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Overview:

Nestled in the heart of Plainfield, ISKCON of Central New Jersey (ICNJ) is an abode for spiritual seekers. The temple is serving the community of CNJ by promoting the concepts of the Bhakti Yoga tradition. Affiliated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), it is based in Plainfield, New Jersey (NJ), and its timings are 4:30 AM to 9:00 PM on all days. Each day, different aartis are chanted during the key hours that radiate devotional vibes & foster inner peace.

At the heart of this sacred haven are the divine presences of Sri Sri Radha Shyamsundar, Sri Sri Jagannath Baladev Subhadra Devi, and Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, embodying the essence of love, devotion, and spiritual awakening. Devotees can also attend insightful seminars and awaken Bhajans for an unfathomed and revelatory experience. The experience of being at this temple will evoke inner peace and happiness, fostering personal growth through newfound wisdom and motivation.

Location and Directions

Located at 1020 W. 7th Street, Plainfield, NJ, reaching the temple is convenient from various parts of New Jersey. Its central location makes it accessible by car, public transport, or foot.

Temple’s Open Hours and Timings

The temple opens its door from Monday to Saturday, welcoming visitors from 8 AM to 7 PM. On Sundays, the timings are 9 AM to 7 PM. This extended accessibility allows devotees and visitors to immerse themselves in the temple’s spiritual ambiance.

Aarti Time

Darshan (Deity Viewing) Schedule

Sunday Schedule

• 5:30 PM to 5:45 PM: Tulsi Aarti
• 5:45 PM to 6:00 PM: Guru Puja
• 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM: Gaura Aarti
• 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM: Discourse
• 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM: Prasadam (Veg. Feast)
• 8:30 PM to 9:00 PM: Sayan Aarti

Which Activities Are Available At ISKCON of Central New Jersey, Plainfield NJ Apart From Aarti?

Deity worship and aartis are daily activities at ISKCON, CNJ. For the devotees, the prestigious temple offers other activities like:

• Bhakti Vriksha
• Cultural & Community Hall Rental
• Cultural Activities & Festivals
• Govinda’s Catering & Restaurant
• Kids Sunday School
• Kirtan & Bhajans
• Samskaras & Yagna
• Sastras & Philosophy
• Youth Programs & University Preaching

Conclusion

ISKCON of Central New Jersey in Plainfield is more than a temple; it is a spiritual sanctuary offering solace and growth to the devotees. Daily aartis, bhajans, kirtans, and other activities are done here, which act as a platform for individuals to connect with their inner selves and a vibrant community. Whether seeking inner harmony or cultural experiences, this temple stands as a beacon of spiritual light in the heart of New Jersey.