Dhanteras is the first day of the Diwali festival, the major festival of Hindus. This time Dhanteras is on 25 October. It is believed that Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda, was born on the day of Dhanteras during the churning of Ksheer Sagar. On this day, there is a law to worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kuber and Lord Dhanvantari.

 On the day of Dhanteras, worshipping of Yamraj, the god of death (Yama Puja) is also done. Buying gold-silver jewelry and utensils on this day is considered auspicious. Dhanteras is also a symbol of the beginning of the Deepawali festival. This is followed by Chhoti Diwali or Narak Chaturdashi, Badi or Main Deepawali (Diwali), Govardhan Puja and finally the festival of Bhai Dooj or Bhaiya Dooj.

When is Dhanteras celebrated?

The festival of Dhanteras is celebrated every year two days before Deepawali. According to the Hindu calendar, Dhanteras is celebrated on the 13th day of the month of Kartik. According to the Gregorian calendar, this festival falls in the month of October or November every year. This time Dhanteras is on 25 October.

Importance of Dhanteras

Dhanteras is also known as Dhantrayodashi, Dhanwantari Triodasi or Dhanvantri Jayanti. It is believed that Lord Dhanwantari appeared on the day of Kartik Krishna Trayodashi during Samudra Manthan, carrying Amrit Kalash in his hands. It is said that for the expansion and spread of medical science, Lord Vishnu took the incarnation of Dhanvantari. The festival of Dhanteras is celebrated to commemorate the appearance of Lord Dhanvantari. According to mythological beliefs, worshiping Lakshmi on the day of Dhanteras makes the house full of wealth. It is also considered auspicious to purchase and bring home a new idol of Lakshmi Ganesh on this day.