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.

The festival lasts five days as Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, Diwali, Govers tha actdhan and Bhai dooj. The third day is the actual day when Goddess Lakshami is worshiped and this year it falls on 07.11.18. Celebrants clean, renovate and decorate their homes, offices and temples. They adorn themselves in their best outfit for the occasion and light the diyas and candles outside and inside of their homes and workplace. They pray to goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha for wealth and prosperity and after that share burn crackers and share gifts with their loved ones.

India is a country of diversity. Various religions of Indian subcontinent celebrate Diwali for different reasons. Hindus believe that when Lord Ram defeated Ravana and returned to Ayodhaya after 14 years of exile, people welcomed them with lightning diyas and hence diwali is celebrated. Another believe of hindus is related to deity Lakshmi who is giver of wealth and prosperity. They worship lakshmi and lord Ganesha as he is the remover of all obstacles. In Jainism, it marks the nirvana or spiritual awakening of Lord Mahavira on October 15, 527 B.C. In Sikhism it marks the day that Guru Hargobind Ji, the Sixth Sikh Guru was freed from imprisonment.

The following day is celebrated as new year when people visited each other houses and wished them for the season. The fifth day is celebrated as Bhai Dooj when sisters do tilak to their brothers and pray for their long life.
The five day festival is an annual homecoming and bonding period not only for families, but also for communities and associations.