Sonowal extends Dhanteras greetings, invokes Lord Dhanvantari
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
On the auspicious occasion of Dhanteras, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal extended warm wishes to the nation on Friday, 6 November 2026, praying for prosperity and well-being for all.
Posting in Hindi, Sonowal wrote: 'सुख, समृद्धि, यश और वैभव के पावन पर्व धनतेरस की सभी को हार्दिक मंगलकामनाएं!' — 'Heartfelt best wishes to all on the auspicious festival of Dhanteras, the festival of happiness, prosperity, fame and glory!' He further invoked the blessings of Lord Dhanvantari, praying that everyone's life be filled with happiness, prosperity, and abundance.
Dhanteras and the legend of Lord Dhanvantari
Dhanteras falls two days before Diwali and is one of the most widely observed Hindu festivals across India. The day is dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician of the gods and the presiding deity of Ayurveda, who is believed to have emerged from the cosmic ocean bearing the pot of nectar during the mythological churning of the seas. Households across the country light lamps, offer prayers, and purchase gold, silver, or utensils on this day as a symbol of welcoming prosperity.
Festival outreach during the Diwali period
Festival greetings from Union Ministers on social media have become a staple of public engagement during major Hindu observances. Sonowal, a senior BJP leader and former Chief Minister of Assam, has consistently used platforms like X to connect with constituents across cultural and regional lines during such occasions. The Diwali cluster of festivals — beginning with Dhanteras — is among the most significant periods for such outreach.