Dhanteras 2026: Don’t want to buy gold or silver? Buy a Jhaadu instead | Here’s what it means and its significance
Dhanteras is synonymous with buying gold, silver and other valuables. However, a lesser-known tradition sees people purchasing a humble broom or jhaadu on the occasion. From household customs to religious beliefs, here's why the practice has continued over generations.
Dhanteras, a significant festival in India, falls on November 6, 2026. One unique custom observed during this time is the purchase of a broom or jhaadu. Conventional wisdom suggests that this seemingly mundane item holds deep symbolic meaning. Many believe that welcoming a new broom into the home on Dhanteras invites Goddess Lakshmi's blessings, banishes negative energy, and sets the stage for prosperity.
This practice stems from the idea that Goddess Lakshmi prefers clean, well-kept homes. Symbolically, the broom is seen as a tool for sweeping away negative energies and past misfortunes, making space for good fortune and wealth. The tradition is also linked to Goddess Lakshmi's sister, Alakshmi, who embodies misfortune and poverty.
Cleaning the house with a broom is thought to drive away Alakshmi and create a welcoming space for Lakshmi and prosperity. Despite its simplicity, the act of buying and using a broom for Dhanteras is accessible to people from all walks of life, given its low cost. The tradition reinforces the importance of cleanliness and readiness for Goddess Lakshmi's arrival, aligning the festival's themes of wealth and prosperity with the preparations for a harmonious new year.
Written by urgent.news from Live Mint's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
