Dhanteras (also spelled Dhantrayodashi) falls on the thirteenth day (Trayodashi) of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) of the month of Ashwayuja — the first of the five Diwali days. 'Dhan' means wealth and 'teras' is a contraction of Trayodashi. On this evening, Lakshmi — the goddess of wealth — and Kubera — the god of prosperity — are worshipped, and the tradition of purchasing gold, silver, or metal utensils is observed across India. Dhanteras is also Dhanvantari Trayodashi — the birthday of Dhanvantari, the divine physician who emerged from the cosmic ocean during the churning of the seas (Samudra Manthan) bearing the pot of Amrita (nectar of immortality).
The Legend: Yamraj and the Sixteen-Year-Old
A poignant legend associated with Dhanteras involves the young king Hema and his wife. On the night of his wedding, Hema was predicted to die from a snake bite after sixteen years. His devoted wife stayed awake on the fatal night, surrounding the entrance of their chamber with lamps, gold, and silver ornaments — and kept the god of death, Yamraj (who arrived as a serpent), distracted by her singing and storytelling until dawn, when Yamraj had to leave. In gratitude, Yamraj blessed the couple with long life. This is why lamps are lit and doors are decorated on Dhanteras night — to keep death at bay with light and abundance.
The Tradition of Buying Gold and Utensils
Purchasing gold, silver, or metal items on Dhanteras is one of the most widely observed traditions in Indian culture. The belief is that buying something shiny and new on this night invites Lakshmi into the home for the year ahead. Jewellers and kitchenware shops do their highest business of the year on Dhanteras. Even those who cannot afford gold buy a new steel or brass utensil — the act of bringing something new and metallic home on this night is the important part. In recent years, electronics (considered modern equivalents of metal) are also popular Dhanteras purchases.
Evening Puja and Lamps
On Dhanteras evening, the home is thoroughly cleaned and decorated. Rangoli is drawn at the entrance, and lamps (diyas) are lit at the doorstep — thirteen diyas are traditionally lit, one for each teras (thirteenth) — and also placed in the kitchen, treasury, and near cash or valuables. Lakshmi and Kubera are worshipped with flowers, incense, and offerings of sweets. The evening prayers invoke prosperity, health, and protection from misfortune. Dhanvantari is also worshipped with a prayer for good health throughout the year — particularly by doctors, healers, and those with ongoing health concerns.