What is Dhanteras and why is it celebrated?

Hindus will today be celebrating the festival of Dhanteras - a day which marks the onset of Diwali, a five-day festival of light.

Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi or Dhanvantari Trayodashi, honours Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari and is a celebration to welcome wealth and well-being.

Traditionally on this day Hindus buy precious items, decorate their homes and invite blessings. Customs include bringing utensils, jewellery, brooms, gold or silver coins, gomti chakra (a sacred shell-like object), or electronic items into their home.

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The name Dhanteras is a combination of Dhan (wealth) and Teras (thirteenth). It is the day when acquiring new assets, jewellery made of gold and silver, and utensils, is believed to usher prosperity into one's home.

The day is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the bestower of wealth and good fortune. Hindus light up their homes with oil diyas and candles to welcome the deity. It’s a festival to open doors for health, wealth, success, happiness, and well-being in your life.

The tale of Dhanvantari's emergence represents the importance of good health. As Goddess Lakshmi only goes in clean, well-maintained homes, homeowners clean and decorate the houses - symbolising the cleansing of both one's physical and spiritual self. It is also a day to get Dhanteras gifts for your family and friends.

Dhanteras falls on a different date each year. The festival falls on the thirteenth day of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the Hindu month Ashwin. As per the Gregorian calendar, the time of Dhanteras usually falls in October or November. This year Dhanteras falls today (29 October 2024).

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