Dhanteras, the first day of the five-day Diwali festival, holds immense significance in Hindu culture as a day dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera. Among the many traditions associated with this auspicious occasion, serving and consuming kheer holds a special place. This creamy rice pudding not only delights the taste buds but also carries deep cultural and spiritual significance.
The festival is deeply connected to Goddess Lakshmi, inspiring devotees to prepare various desserts to honour her. Among these offerings, kheer holds a particularly sacred place. While nariyal ladoos and lapsi are also considered auspicious, kheer is especially revered as a preferred offering for Goddess Lakshmi.
It is widely included as prasad at Lakshmi Puja ceremonies across the country, believed to be among her favourites. To seek her blessings, it is encouraged to offer kheer during these festivities. Kheer, also known as payasam in South India, is considered one of the most sacred offerings (prasad) to deities.
On Dhanteras, serving kheer symbolises prosperity, abundance, and spiritual purity. The white colour of milk represents purity, while rice signifies abundance. When combined with sugar, these ingredients create a dish that embodies sweetness in life and the hope for a prosperous future.
According to ancient customs, serving kheer on Dhanteras is believed to please Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. The tradition suggests that the more generous you are with khe.
