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.

Image Source: herzindagi.com

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

Dhanteras is popularly known as Dhantrayodashi and it occurs on the very first day of the festival of Diwali, which is the most auspicious day of the Hindu calendar. As per tradition, this day falls during the worship of the God of Health, Lord Dhanvantari, and Goddess Lakshmi goddess of wealth and prosperity. People purchase gold, silver, and other ornaments during Dhanteras so that it can bring them good fortune and prosperity.

As much the Americans celebrate Dhanteras, Indians in USA feel this is equal significance celebrated sitting miles away from their motherland. In 2024, Dhanteras will fall on the date of Monday, October 28th.

Image Source: timesofindia

Dhanteras 2024 Date and Time (USA)

Dhanteras Date: Monday, 28th October 2024
Pradosh Kaal Muhurat in USA: 05:55 PM to 08:32 PM (Time in the USA)
Vrishabha Kaal Muhurat in USA: 06:25 PM to 08:20 PM (Time in the USA)
The two most auspicious times to perform Dhanteras Puja are Pradosh Kaal and Vrishabha Kaal. It is within this time, all the families light diyas and make their prayer and worship before Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi on their wishes.

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

Dhanteras 2024 Muhurat Time (USA Cities)

For US citizens residing in different cities of the USA, the approximate Dhanteras Puja time according to the local time is as follows:-

• New York: 06:10 PM to 08:40 PM
• San Francisco: 05:50 PM to 08:15 PM
• Chicago: 06:00 PM to 08:25 PM
• Houston: 06:15 PM to 08:35 PM
• Los Angeles: 05:55 PM to 08:20 PM

These are some general estimates. You may refer to the local Hindu temples or calendars for the specific Muhurat in your respective region.

Dhanteras 2024 Puja Muhurat USA: What to Do Today

One of the main things that happens on Dhanteras is that devotees clean their homes and light oil lamps to ward off evil energy. Here’s a quick guide to celebrating Dhanteras:

Cleaning the House: Begin the day by cleaning your house since it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi blesses clean and well-maintained spaces.
Puja Rituals: Construct a Puja place with an idol of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari. Light up oil lamps (diyas), prepare flowers, sweets, and rice, and pray to get their blessings.
Buying of Precious Metals: The most customary ritual associated with Dhanteras is that of buying gold, silver, or utensils, as these represent wealth and bring good fortune.
Lighting Diyas: As soon as night falls, light diyas in every room of your house to chase away evil energies and invite prosperity and happiness.

Also Read: Auspicious Foods for Dhanteras 2024 USA: What to Eat for Good Fortune

What to Buy on Dhanteras 2024

Buying gold, silver, or new utensils is also considered extremely inauspicious on Dhanteras. Some of the few things people spend money on during this day are:

Gold or Silver Jewelry: Gold or Silver Investment Sectors that believe it will eventually bring prosperity and good luck.
Utensils: Mostly, people purchase metallic utensils for their kitchen on Dhanteras.
Electronic Gadgets: Today, on Dhanteras, people buy electronic devices or equipment because it symbolizes the start of something new and development.
Vehicles: On Dhanteras, you can also purchase a new car or any other vehicle if you wish to.
Idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha: You can even buy idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha to perform Diwali Puja.
Dhanteras 2024 in the USA is a day when all rituals are performed, prayers are offered, and new buys fill the air. Indians are far from India, but the enthusiastic celebration of the festival is no less in the USA. Be it buying gold performing Dhanteras Puja or lighting diyas to illuminate your abode, it is time for renewal, prosperity, and gaiety with family members.

Follow the auspicious Muhurat times and enjoy a prosperous Diwali season with maximum blessings!

Dhanteras 2024 is celebrated with rituals, prayers, and fun in buying new things in the US. Thousands of miles away from India, Indian communities in the US celebrate this festive day with equal zest and devotion. It’s either buying gold, performing the Dhanteras Puja, or just lighting diyas to illuminate your home, yet the festival calls for renewal, prosperity, and togetherness.

Make sure to get hold of the auspicious Muhurat times so that you can maximize your rewards and enjoy a prosperous Diwali season!

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.