Dhanteras
धनतेरस
The first day of the five-day Diwali festival. Families buy gold, silver, or new utensils for good fortune. Lamps are lit at dusk to welcome Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari.
Why We Celebrate
Dhanteras (Dhantrayodashi) marks the first day of the five-day Diwali celebration. "Dhan" means wealth and "Teras" means the thirteenth day. The festival honors two deities: Goddess Lakshmi (goddess of wealth) and Lord Dhanvantari (the physician of the gods and father of Ayurveda), who emerged from the cosmic ocean during the great Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) carrying the pot of Amrit (nectar of immortality) and Ayurvedic knowledge.
A powerful legend tells of the young prince whose horoscope predicted death by snakebite on the fourth day of his marriage. His clever new bride piled gold, silver, and jewels at the entrance of their chamber and lit countless lamps. When Yama arrived in the form of a snake, he was dazzled by the brightness and the glittering treasures. He sat atop the pile, listening to the bride's songs all night, and left at dawn without taking her husband.
On Dhanteras, families clean and decorate their homes, buy gold, silver, or new utensils (especially stainless steel or brass), and light diyas at dusk. It is considered the most auspicious day of the year for purchasing precious metals. Homes are cleaned as a welcome for Lakshmi, who is believed to visit well-lit, clean homes. Many also worship Lord Dhanvantari for good health.
Did You Know?
- ✦Dhanteras is the single largest gold-buying day in India — jewelers report selling more gold on this one day than any other day of the year.
- ✦Lord Dhanvantari, worshipped on Dhanteras, is considered the father of Ayurveda. In some regions, Dhanteras is also celebrated as National Ayurveda Day.
- ✦The tradition of buying utensils on Dhanteras comes from the belief that new vessels attract the blessings of Lakshmi — even a simple steel spoon bought on this day is considered auspicious.
Related Festivals
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