Dhanteras

Culture of origin: Hindu · Cultural

Holiday sources: Hinduism

Dhanteras, or Dhanatrayodashi, falls on the thirteenth lunar day of the waning moon before Diwali. Homes not yet cleaned for Diwali are cleaned and whitewashed, lamps are kept burning through the night for Lakshmi and Dhanvantari, and it is held a most auspicious day for buying gold, silver and new utensils, a sign of good luck. Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods and god of Ayurveda, is worshipped in the evening.