The grand festival of lights begins with the auspicious occasion of Dhanteras. On this day, people purchase gold and silver jewellery along with utensils, electronic gadgets, and mobile phones. Amidst all these purchases, buying a very specific item associated with Goddess Lakshmi holds immense significance during Dhanteras and Diwali.
The Religious Significance of Brooms
Swami Kanhaiya Maharaj, an astrologer based in Varanasi, explained the deeper meaning behind this custom. According to him, buying a broom on Dhanteras is essential to please Goddess Lakshmi and invite her blessings. Bringing home a new broom on this day is believed to draw the Goddess of wealth directly to the household. According to scriptures, Goddess Lakshmi resides within the broom. This belief is not restricted to Dhanteras alone, as purchasing a broom on Diwali is also widely practiced by people.
Eliminating Negativity and Poverty
Bringing a newly purchased broom home on these festivals helps eradicate negative energy from the living space. It also drives away poverty and financial struggles from the household. This process creates a continuous flow of positive energy within the home. However, bringing a new broom means the old, worn-out broom must be discarded from the house.
The Right Time to Discard Old Brooms
For those purchasing a new broom on Dhanteras, the old broom should be removed from the house on the very next day, which is Narak Chaturdashi. Meanwhile, individuals who buy a new broom on Diwali should take the old broom out during daytime on the following day and place it in a clean spot outside.
Rules for Keeping a Broom Properly
Swami Kanhaiya Maharaj noted that brooms should always be kept in locations where they are not readily visible to visitors. Furthermore, a broom should never be tossed around carelessly or kept in an inverted position. It must always be stored in a clean corner of the house. Improper placement of a broom can invite negative energy back into the living space.
