Dhanteras is the first day of five days long Diwali festival. Also known as Dhantrayodashi, it is observed on the 13th lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu calendar month of Kartik.

This festival holds a special place in households and business communities as it means a lot of spiritual and religious significance. The day of Dhanteras is also celebrated as Dhanwantari Triodasi or Dhanvantri Jayanti, the birth anniversary of the God of Ayurveda. Trivia: The Ministry of AYUSH observes Dhanteras as the National Ayurveda Day.

It is believed that on this day, Goddess Lakshmi visits the homes of her devotees. She fulfils all their wishes on this day. Therefore, on this day people light lamps and keep them burning through the night in honour of Goddess Lakshmi.

WHY PEOPLE BUY GOLD ON THIS DAY

In India, this festival is usually celebrated with great delight. One of the key features of this day is the purchase of gold, silver items along with some utensils. What is the religious significance?

According to folklores, on this day, Goddess Lakshmi came out of the ocean during the churning of the Milky Sea. Therefore, on this day Goddess Lakshmi along with Lord Kubera, the God of wealth, is worshipped.

Another tale is that of the son of King Hima, whose horoscope forecasted he would die of a snake bite on the fourth day of his wedding. His wife did not let him sleep all day. She placed all her ornaments in a basket and kept near the door and lit lamps. She kept her husband awake all night.

On the next day, Lord Yama, the God of Death, came to claim her husband’s life in the form of a snake, he was amazed by all the light! Yama could not enter the home and left the couple. Thus, many respect the wit of the woman in saving her husband and symbolically buy gold or silver on the day, so as to protect themselves and their loved ones.

MUHURAT FOR DHANTERAS PUJA

Dhanteras Puja is performed after sunset. Vrishabha Kaal which concurs during Pradosh Kaal is considered best for carrying puja rituals. The Vrishabha Kaal will start at 5.28 pm and will end at 7.28 pm on November 13.