Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi or Dhanvantari Jayanti, is the first day of the five-day Diwali festival. Celebrated on the thirteenth day (Trayodashi) of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in the Hindu month of Kartik (October-November), Dhanteras is dedicated to wealth, prosperity, and well-being. The name 'Dhanteras' is derived from two words: 'Dhan' meaning wealth and 'Teras' meaning thirteenth, symbolizing the thirteenth day dedicated to wealth.

According to Hindu mythology, Dhanteras commemorates the emergence of Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Dhanvantari appeared with a pot of Amrit (nectar of immortality) and the knowledge of Ayurveda during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). This day is considered highly auspicious for purchasing gold, silver, utensils, and other valuable items as it is believed to bring prosperity and good fortune throughout the year.

Dhanteras is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India, particularly in North India. People clean their homes, decorate them with rangoli and lights, and perform special pujas in the evening during Pradosh Kaal. The festival marks the beginning of the Diwali celebrations and is considered an auspicious time for making new purchases, especially precious metals and utensils, which are believed to bring luck and prosperity.

Dhanteras holds immense spiritual significance as it celebrates both material wealth and spiritual well-being. The festival is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, and Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician. Worshipping these deities on this day is believed to bring health, wealth, and prosperity. The emphasis on purchasing gold and silver on Dhanteras is not just about material acquisition but symbolizes the accumulation of positive energy and good fortune.

Performing puja during Pradosh Kaal (evening twilight) when Trayodashi Tithi is prevailing is considered highly auspicious. This combination of tithi and time is believed to be powerful for invoking the blessings of wealth deities. The festival teaches the importance of gratitude for what we have while also seeking divine blessings for continued prosperity and abundance in all aspects of life.

Dhanteras also emphasizes the importance of health and well-being, as it honors Lord Dhanvantari, the patron deity of Ayurveda. This day serves as a reminder to take care of one's physical and mental health, seek medical care when needed, and maintain a balanced lifestyle. The festival beautifully combines the celebration of material prosperity with spiritual wellness.

• Cleaning and decorating homes with rangoli (decorative patterns), flowers, and lights to welcome Goddess Lakshmi
• Purchasing gold, silver, utensils, or other valuable items as it is considered highly auspicious on this day
• Lighting oil lamps (diyas) at the entrance of the home and in the puja room
• Performing Dhanteras Puja during Pradosh Kaal (evening twilight) when Trayodashi Tithi is prevailing
• Worshipping Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi with flowers, incense, lamps, and traditional offerings
• Placing newly purchased items (gold, silver, utensils) in the puja area for blessings
• Lighting a single lamp (diya) outside the home, facing south (direction of Yama, the god of death) to ward off untimely death
• Offering prasad (sweets and fruits) to the deities and distributing it among family members
• Reciting Dhanteras mantras and aartis dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari
• Keeping the puja items and purchased items untouched until the next morning

Various sacred items are offered during Dhanteras puja:

• Gold and Silver: Newly purchased gold and silver items are placed in the puja area for blessings, symbolizing prosperity and wealth
• Utensils: New utensils, especially made of copper, brass, or steel, are purchased and blessed during the puja
• Flowers: Marigolds, lotus, and red roses are offered to the deities as symbols of purity and devotion
• Sweets: Traditional sweets like ladoos, barfi, and peda are prepared and offered to the deities
• Fruits: Bananas, coconuts, pomegranates, and seasonal fruits are offered with reverence
• Coins and Currency: New coins and currency notes are placed in the puja thali and kept in cash boxes for prosperity