What is Dhanteras?

Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, is a festival celebrated just before Diwali. It marks the beginning of the festivities, being one of the most popular and significant dates in India. The word dhanteras comes from dhan which literally means 'money', and teras which marks the 13th day according to the Hindu calendar. The festival is considered auspicious for investing in silver and gold or buying any metal. It has great importance in Indian society, especially among the business community.

Story behind Dhanteras

Like all Indian festivals, there are many tales, folklore and mythology behind the celebration of Dhanteras. People celebrate the festival in very different ways in different parts of India; however, the most common stories are told as follows:

There was a celestial battle between the Devas and the Asuras fighting for the sacred nectar to make them immortal. During this, Dhanvantari - Goddess of Vaidya (Ayurveda and Medicine) was born (emerged during the Samudra Manthan ) holding a Kalash filled with Amrit. She is said to be another incarnation of Vishnu.

Another interesting story is that of a king, who is told that his son will die of a snake bite on the fourth day of his marriage. However, the wife decided to change his fate. It is believed that Yamaraj, the god of death disguised as a snake, when he came to kill him, the wife kept her husband awake by dressing up with a lot of ornaments, such as gold and coins at the entrance. It is said that the snake was blinded by the shine of the metals that kept the prince safe.

Traditionally, Lakshmi Puja is performed in the evening when diyas are lit to ward off evil. Children can be seen bursting firecrackers to set the mood for Diwali celebrations. In many parts of the country, domestic animals are worshipped and family gatherings take place throughout the day.

Just like these, there are a thousand versions about the origin of Dhanteras, but the importance of the day never fades, and it marks an important date all over India. During Dhanteras, people usually buy new gold and other metals in the morning to gain good wealth.

Alpana or Rangolis are drawn near doors including footprints with rice flour and vermilion powder. Aartis and devotional hymns are sung praising the Goddess and is also offered sweets and fruits. People flock to jewelers to buy gold or silver jewelry or utensils to venerate the occasion of Dhanteras.

In the evening people light up the small clay diyas, which are kept lit all night. Some people keep fast until sunset and break it ceremoniously with pure and sweet dishes. In northern and western India, the devotees stand for hours in a queue to offer their prayers to Lakshmi and Kuber. In Maharashtra, a cilantro-based jaggery and Naivedya or Prasad is offered.

Another popular tradition is consecrating cows on this day with a bath and ceremonial ornaments. In the villages, it is customary to worship the calves as for farmers, they are the main form of income. In South India, the cows are adorned and worshiped. Gujarat observes the Vaak Baras, where vaak means Vaani. This is also known as Govatsa dwadashi and Guru Dwadashi. On this day the cows and calves are worshiped.

Vaagh also means Tiger in Gujarati. Therefore, it is celebrated by references to Tiger. In some Dhodia villages, some men turn into Vaagh who chases the cattle. Finally, at the end of the sport, the villagers eat food together at a common place and celebrate. This is also known as Govatsa dwadashi and Guru Dwadashi. On this day the cows and calves are worshiped. People start their account books with new ledger after Labh Pancham.

Many wear new clothes and jewelry as they light the first lamp of Diwali.