Cleaning Your Way to Prosperity: The Broom Buying Ritual on Dhanteras Explained

Image Source: Zee News

Buying a broom on Dhanteras symbolizes sweeping away negativity, poverty, and debts to welcome wealth and positivity. Rooted in mythology and Vastu Shastra, the tradition honors Goddess Lakshmi and purifies homes, making it a sacred ritual for auspicious beginnings during Diwali festivities.

Dhanteras, the auspicious festival that marks the beginning of the Diwali celebrations, is widely known for buying gold and silver to invite wealth and good fortune into homes. However, among the traditional purchases, a seemingly modest item—the broom—holds profound cultural and spiritual significance. Buying a new broom (jhadu) on Dhanteras is believed to sweep away negativity, poverty, and obstacles, making space for prosperity and happiness.

Symbol of Purity and Prosperity: The broom is associated with Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu deity of wealth and prosperity. According to mythology, Lakshmi purified Lord Vishnu's abode, Vaikunth, using a broom, making it a sacred symbol for cleansing negativity.

Vastu and Spiritual Beliefs: Vastu Shastra advocates the broom as a tool to remove bad energies from the home, supporting positive energy flow essential for welcoming fortune and happiness.

Ritual Importance: On Dhanteras, purchasing a new broom signifies sweeping away the old, including debts and negative influences, to start a fresh, prosperous year. It is recommended to bring the new broom home with prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber.

Proper Usage and Disposal: Tradition advises replacing the old broom with a new one to prevent stagnation of negative energy. The old broom should be respectfully disposed of on auspicious days like Holika Dahan or after Diwali.

Best Practices: According to Vastu, the broom should be kept in the northwest or west corner of the home, and avoid using it before removing the old broom to maintain the ritual’s sanctity.

Complementary Traditions: Alongside the broom, coriander seeds are also bought on Dhanteras, symbolizing growth and abundance, enhancing the festival’s theme of wealth and renewal.

Cultural Embrace: This humble purchase encourages everyone, whether buying precious metals or simple household items, to participate meaningfully in the festival’s philosophy.

Auspicious Timings: Buying a broom on Dhanteras, especially if it falls on Fridays or Tuesdays, amplifies its auspiciousness according to traditional customs.

Modern Relevance: Despite technological advances, these ancient rituals continue to enrich cultural identity and personal well-being during Diwali.

Wider Impact: The broom buying tradition reflects the emphasis on cleanliness, order, and positivity as foundational aspects of prosperity in Indian households.

The broom on Dhanteras thus holds a unique place—far beyond a tool, it is a symbol of spiritual cleansing and the promise of abundance.

Sources: Hindustan Times, Times of India, Republic World, India TV News

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