Dhanteras is a Hindu festival celebrated in India and Nepal. It falls on the 13th day of the dark fortnight of the month of Kartik, which typically occurs in October or November. Dhanteras marks the beginning of the five-day-long festival of Diwali, which is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India.
The word “Dhanteras” is derived from two Sanskrit words: “Dhan,” which means wealth, and “Teras,” which means the 13th day. On this day, people worship Lord Dhanvantari, who is considered the god of Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine) and is often associated with healing and well-being. Lord Dhanvantari is believed to have emerged during the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan) by the gods and demons, holding a pot of elixir (amrita) in his hands, symbolizing health and prosperity.
Dhanteras is primarily celebrated to invoke blessings for wealth, prosperity, and good health. People clean and decorate their homes, buy new utensils, jewelry, and other items as a sign of prosperity. Many also light oil lamps and perform pujas (religious rituals) to worship Lord Dhanvantari and seek his blessings for a healthy life.
In addition to the worship of Lord Dhanvantari, Dhanteras is also considered an auspicious day to worship Lord Kubera, the treasurer of wealth in Hindu mythology. People believe that observing Dhanteras with devotion and sincerity can bring good fortune and financial well-being to their lives.