Dhan Teras

Festival, Puja, Auspicious Day

Often observed as a Restricted Holiday (RH) or optional holiday in some regions/organizations.

1 day (However, it marks the beginning of the 5-day Diwali festival celebrations, with preparations commencing much earlier).

Marks the first day of the five-day Diwali festival. It is considered highly auspicious for new purchases, especially of gold, silver, or new utensils, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. It is also associated with health and well-being, commemorating the birth of Lord Dhanvantari.

Key Rituals & Practices

Dhanteras Puja (Lakshmi Puja):** Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera for wealth and prosperity. This often involves offering flowers, sweets, fruits, and lighting lamps.

Buying Gold, Silver, Utensils:** It is customary and highly auspicious to purchase new gold, silver, or brass/copper utensils on this day, believed to bring good luck and increase wealth. These new items are often placed near the puja altar.

Dhanvantari Puja:** Worshipping Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda, for good health and protection from diseases. Offerings include medicines or medicinal herbs.

Yamadeepdaan:** Lighting an oil lamp (diya) outside the main entrance of the house, facing south, to appease Yamaraj (Lord of Death) and seek protection for the family from untimely death. This lamp is kept burning throughout the night.

Cleaning and Decoration:** Homes are thoroughly cleaned, decluttered, and decorated, especially the entrances, with rangolis and lamps, in preparation for the upcoming Diwali celebrations.

Offering to Cows (Go-Puja):** In some traditions, cows are worshipped and fed, as they are considered sacred and a symbol of wealth.

Associated Deities

Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth)

Lord Kubera (Treasurer of the Gods)

Lord Dhanvantari (Physician of the Gods, incarnation of Vishnu)

Yamaraj (Lord of Death, for Yamadeepdaan ritual)

Hindu Calendar Details

Hindu Month

Kartik

Paksha

Krishna Paksha (Dark Fortnight)

Tithi

Trayodashi (13th lunar day)

Regional Relevance & Variations

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Historical & Mythological Context

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean) on this day, carrying the pot of Amrit (divine nectar). This is why he is worshipped for health and well-being. Another prominent legend associated with Yamadeepdaan tells the story of King Hima's son, whose life was predicted to end on the fourth day of his marriage by a snake bite. His intelligent wife saved him by lighting countless lamps and placing all her gold and silver coins at the doorway, thus blinding Yama (Lord of Death) and preventing him from entering the house, saving her husband's life.

Alternative Names

Dhantrayodashi

Dhanvantari Trayodashi

Yamadeepdaan

Gregorian Date

Varies annually, typically late October or early November (two days before Diwali Amavasya).