Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, marks the official, radiant beginning of the five-day Diwali festival. The word is derived from 'Dhan' meaning wealth and 'Teras' referencing the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight. It is a day characterized by massive market rushes as buying precious metals, particularly gold and silver, is considered highly auspicious. Homes are rigorously cleaned to rid them of any lingering negative energy and are subsequently decorated with vibrant rangolis to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.

History: Mythologically, Dhanteras commemorates the emergence of Lord Dhanvantari, the supreme physician of the gods, who carried the celestial pot of Amrit (the nectar of immortality) during the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan). The day also honors the mythological story where a young wife saved her husband from Yama, the god of death, by blinding him with a dazzling display of gold ornaments and lighting a multitude of lamps.

Significance: Buying gold, silver, or even simple metal utensils on this day is deeply believed to protect a household against bad luck and invite eternal prosperity. The lighting of the 'Yama Deepam' (a special oil lamp facing south) is a crucial ritual to ward off early death and disease.