Kartik Krishna Trayodashi
Dhanteras
Also known as Dhantrayodashi · Dhanvantari Jayanti
Dhanteras opens the five-day Diwali festival, on the thirteenth day of waning Kartik. It honours Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods and lord of Ayurveda, and is the great day for buying gold, silver and new utensils.
2026
Friday, 6 November 2026
2027
Wednesday, 27 October 2027
The day at a glance
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Significance
It celebrates health through Dhanvantari and wealth through Lakshmi and Kubera. The word “dhan” means wealth, and buying metal on this day is believed to multiply prosperity in the year ahead.
How Dhanteras is observed
Homes are cleaned and lit with the first diyas; people buy gold, silver or steel vessels, worship Lakshmi and Kubera in the evening, and light a lamp for Yama to ward off untimely death.
FAQ
Why is gold bought on Dhanteras?
Buying precious metal on the day of wealth (“dhan”) is believed to invite prosperity; it is the most auspicious shopping day of the year.
Who is Dhanvantari?
The physician of the gods and originator of Ayurveda, who arose from the churning of the ocean: Dhanteras is his appearance day.
How does Dhanteras fit into Diwali?
It is the first of Diwali’s five days, two days before the main Lakshmi Puja night.
Around the same season
Plan around Dhanteras
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