Dhanteras marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival. The name comes from "dhan" (wealth) and "teras" (the thirteenth day). It is a day to welcome prosperity, health and good fortune into the home, and it is closely associated with Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician, and Goddess Lakshmi.
Key takeaways
- Dhanteras falls on the thirteenth day (Trayodashi) of the dark fortnight of Kartik, two days before the main Diwali.
- It honours Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda, along with Lakshmi and Kubera.
- People traditionally buy gold, silver, brass or steel utensils, and new items for the home.
- A lamp for Yama is lit at dusk, to remember an old legend and pray for protection.
The meaning of the day
Dhanteras (also called Dhantrayodashi) opens Diwali. "Dhan" suggests more than money: it includes health, family, knowledge and good fortune. For that reason the day honours both Dhanvantari, who stands for health, and Lakshmi and Kubera, who stand for prosperity. The festival is also marked as Dhanvantari Jayanti, and in India the day is observed as National Ayurveda Day.
Legend of Dhanvantari
According to the Puranas, when the gods and the demons churned the ocean of milk (Samudra Manthan) to obtain amrita, the nectar of immortality, Dhanvantari emerged from the ocean carrying a pot of amrita, according to tradition on this trayodashi. He is portrayed with four arms, holding a conch, a discus, leeches or medicinal herbs, and the pot of amrita. He is regarded as the physician of the gods and the source of Ayurveda. Worshipping him on Dhanteras is a prayer for good health.
Lakshmi and Kubera
The churning also gave rise to Goddess Lakshmi, which is why the time is linked to wealth and welcome. In many homes, Lakshmi and Kubera, the lord of wealth, are worshipped on Dhanteras evening. The day sets the mood for the main Lakshmi Pujan on Diwali. See our guides to Diwali and the Lakshmi puja vidhi.
The Yama Deepam legend
A well-known story tells of a prince who, by his horoscope, was fated to die by a snake bite four days after his marriage. His young wife kept him awake through the night, piled up her ornaments and coins at the doorway and sang songs. When Yama, the god of death, came in the form of a snake, he was dazzled by the glitter and listened to her songs until the morning, and then left. Since then, a lamp is lit for Yama at the entrance on this night, to pray for protection and long life for the family. It is called Yama Deepam or Deepdaan.
Why people buy gold, silver and utensils
- It is considered auspicious to bring home something new and valuable, as a symbol of welcoming Lakshmi.
- Gold and silver, coins, brass and steel utensils, and sometimes a new broom or household items are common purchases.
- Many people also buy vehicles or electronics. The belief is that what is bought on Dhanteras grows in value.
- It is a tradition, not a requirement. Buy only what is within your means. A small item, such as a utensil or a coin, is enough.
How regions observe it
- North and West India: shopping, Lakshmi-Kubera puja and lamps at the entrance. Many traders begin their new accounts around Diwali.
- Maharashtra: a lamp for Yama and offerings of jaggery and coriander seeds to Dhanvantari in some homes.
- South India: Dhanvantari worship in Ayurvedic and temple traditions, and preparing for Naraka Chaturdashi.
- Gujarat: a new account year begins soon after, with Chopda Pujan.
Dhanteras and health
Because the day honours Dhanvantari, many Ayurveda practitioners and families treat it as a time to pledge to look after health: simple living, nutrition and regular routines. It is a good day to remember that health is the first form of wealth.
What comes next
After Dhanteras come Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali), Diwali itself, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj. For the practical worship, read our Dhanteras puja vidhi. Families abroad can see Diwali puja abroad.
Frequently asked questions
Is it necessary to buy gold on Dhanteras?
No. It is a custom. Many families buy a small silver coin or a utensil, and some simply do the puja.
Is Dhanteras the same as Diwali?
No. It is the first of the five days of Diwali, two days before the main Diwali day.
Why is a lamp lit for Yama?
It comes from the old legend, as a prayer for protection from untimely death and for the family's wellbeing.
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