Dhanteras

The Day of Wealth and Health

Dhanteras, also called Dhantrayodashi or Dhanvantari Trayodashi, opens the five days of Diwali. The name joins dhan (wealth) and teras (the thirteenth lunar day): it falls on the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Kartik, two days before the main Lakshmi Puja night. In 2026 it falls on 6 November, and in 2027 on 27 October.

The day honours Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods and the source of Ayurveda, as well as Lakshmi and Kubera, the god of treasure. According to the story of the churning of the cosmic ocean (samudra manthan), Dhanvantari rose from the waters on this day carrying a pot of the nectar of immortality, which is why Dhanteras celebrates health as well as prosperity.

What People Do

• Buy something new in metal. By custom a family buys at least a small metal item, such as a brass, copper or steel utensil, or a coin. In modern times Dhanteras has become the most popular day of the year to buy gold and silver, and also kitchenware, appliances and vehicles, so jewellery shops and markets are at their busiest.
• Evening worship. In the evening, families worship Dhanvantari, Lakshmi and Kubera, usually in a window of time after sunset set by the almanac.
• Light a lamp for Yama. The Yama Deepam (also called yamadeepdaan) is a lamp placed outside the front door after dark, often facing south, as an offering to Yama, the god of death, to ward off untimely death during the festival. Lamps are also set out at the base of the tulasi plant, and diyas are lit at doorways.
• Clean and decorate. Homes are cleaned, doorways are decorated with rangoli, and the first lamps of Diwali are lit.

The Story of Hima's Son

A popular legend explains the lamp. The sixteen-year-old son of King Hima was fated, according to his horoscope, to die of a snakebite on the fourth day after his wedding. His new wife heaped all her gold and silver ornaments and coins at the entrance of the bedchamber and lit lamps everywhere, then kept her husband awake all night with songs and stories. When Yama arrived in the form of a serpent, the glare of the lamps and jewels dazzled him; he could not enter, so he coiled on the heap of coins, listened to the songs until morning and left. The prince was saved, and the day is remembered as Yamadeepdaan. Some commentators note that the tale is not traced to a specific Purana, while the Skanda Purana is cited for the practice of offering a lamp to Yama on this day.

Where to See It

Any city's jewellery and metalware bazaars are the place to see Dhanteras, when shops are crowded with buyers. In Maharashtra the festivities begin a day earlier, with Govatsa Dwadashi.

Visitor Tips

Markets are crowded and prices are high, so go early in the day or plan to browse without buying. Hold your valuables carefully in a crowd, and if you are invited to a family puja, ask what to wear and whether to remove your shoes.