From Panchamrti To Naivedya: Decoding The

Ceremonial Food

Of Dhanteras

Quick Summary

Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, marks the start of Diwali in India (and Nepal). While the day is dedicated to celebrating the Hindu God Dhanvantari, it’s also the official start of the ritualistic, annual cleaning and marks Diwali. Most houses light small diyas (celebrating the festival and marking the start of Diwali), draw rangolis, and, naturally, partake in ceremonial food. Because, is it even a festive celebration if food is not in the mix?

Deep Dive

There is a high chance that the first thing that comes to your mind when someone talks about Dhanteras is buying something new and precious. And you’re not wrong. Dhanteras, also known as Laxmi Puja, is a widely popular Indian festival that’s considered especially auspicious for purchasing precious metals like gold and silver, new utensils, or any high-ticket item. But that’s just one part of the story. The other is about celebrating the day with ceremonial food items, each with a specific role to play. Read ahead to find out. 

The Story & Significance of Dhanteras

Several stories are associated with the origin of Dhanteras, but the one thing they all stress is that it’s a day of particular significance. Celebrated annually on the 13th lunar day of Krishna Paksha in Ashwin month (as per the Hindu calendar), Dhanteras is a combination of dhan (wealth) and teras (thirteenth day). 

The legend goes that during the epic Samudra Manthana (churning of the oceans, an important chapter in the Hindu mythology), God Dhanvantari appeared from the ocean with a jar of the elixir on the day of Dhanteras. Another story attributes the origin to goddess Laxmi’s appearance from the ocean of milk during the churning of the ocean. Consequently, goddess Laxmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity, is worshipped on the day as well. 

Alternatively, in Jainism, this day marks the day when Mahavir decided to leave worldly possessions and start meditating. Thus, it’s considered to be an auspicious or “dhanya” day and called Dhanyateras instead of Dhanteras. 

Role of Panchamrit and Naivedya

During the Dhanteras puja, various ceremonial food items are offered to the deities. While the dishes may differ across regions, Panchamirt and Naivedya remain common. But what exactly are these food items, and what role do they play?

Panchamrit

Panchamrit is a drink made from five different ingredients and used to bathe deities, before being distributed as prasad (holy offering) to the devotees. The word is made up of panch, meaning five (the number of ingredients), and amrit, meaning immortal nectar (the supposed benefit of the drink). 

The five ingredients that make up Panchamrit are milk (signifying purity), curd (for prosperity), ghee (signifying strength), honey, and sugar (for unity and bliss, respectively).  

Naivedya

Naivedya is a type of bhog (sacred food) particularly popular in Maharashtra. Dhania (coriander) seeds are crushed and mixed with gur (jaggery) before being offered to the gods. Naivedya literally translates to offering. It’s believed that offering this mix to the Gods attracts good fortune.

Other Ceremonial Food Items Of Dhanteras

Apart from panchamrit and Naivedya, certain items are commonly offered to the Gods during Dhanteras. These items carry a particular significance and are included because of cultural and social These include: 

• Kheel Batashe: A classic combination of puffed rice and sugar candy discs, kheel batashe signify prosperity and abundance. The puffed rice, especially, is supposed to be made from the first harvest of the paddy crop. 

• Ladoos: Ladoos, especially boondi laddoo, are considered to be a favorite of Lord Ganesha. Since both Lord Ganesha and Goddess Laxmi are worshipped during Dhanteras, the offerings include their favourite items. 

• Rice Kheer: A rice and milk-based pudding, rice kheer is considered to be a favourite of Goddess Laxmi. In many homes and temples, cooks add saffron to the mix when it’s being served as a holy offering. 

• Besan Ladoo: Another popular treat is besan laddoo, a dessert of roasted gram flour. It’s considered a way to honor the season’s harvest and is offered to the deity to seek blessings for a prosperous year. 

Apart from this, fruits are often included in the offering. Most families also cook sattvik food (devoid of non-vegetarian items or heat-inducing elements like garlic), and share sweets as a symbol of happiness, goodwill, and prosperity. 

Dhanteras in India: Region-Wise Rituals

While some dishes remain common across the country, region-specific dishes are also included in the offerings. These include: 

• Laapsi: Broken wheat cooked with ghee and jaggery is served in Rajasthan, especially the Marwad region. 

• Marundhu: This is a medicinal paste made from special herbs. It’s offered as a prayer and eaten before the first sunrise. It’s supposed to eliminate the body’s imbalances. 

• Daal baath and Malpua: In Gujarat, many households include malpua (sugar syrup-laden Indian pancakes) and dal bhat (steamed rice and lentil stew combination) in their religious feasts. 

• Dal bhari puri: In parts of UP and Bihar, a puri with spiced lentil filling is served as part of the religious feast. In contrast to most other regions, this is not a dessert but rather a savory dish.

The True Wealth Is In Devotion

Celebrations may differ across regions and even houses. But the spirit of devotion remains common. These ceremonial food items are not just a part of a ritual, but rather, a way to celebrate the local harvests and items that nourish our body and soul. After all, festivals are a reminder to not just seek blessings, but also share happiness with loved ones.