Dhanteras

Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, is the first day that marks the festival of Diwali in most of India. It is celebrated on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu calendar month of Ashwayuja or Kartika.

Dhanteras is celebrated on the first day of the five day long Diwali festival. The suffix ‘Teras’ in Hindi is synonymous with the word Trayodashi in Sanskrit which refers to the thirteenth day of the waning phase of the moon. The different rituals connected to Dhanteras aim at praying for the prosperity of the household and the health and long life of the husband. On the day of Dhanteras, many households perform Laxmi puja. Dhanteras sets the auspicious and celebrative mood for the Diwali celebrations. Here is a highly interesting mythological story connected to Dhanteras.