Dhanteras: Meaning and why it is celebrated What is Dhanteras? Dhanteras, also known as Dhanvantari Trayodashi, marks the beginning of the Diwali festive season. The word Dhan means wealth. The word Theras translates to 13th and corresponds to the 13th lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu calendar Why is Dhanteras organized? Dhanteras, a festival celebrated two days before Diwali puja, commemorates the birth of Lord Dhanvantari, the deity of Ayurveda and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that he appeared from the churning of the ocean, holding a pot full of nectar in one hand and holy scriptures in the other. Lord Dhanvantari is considered the guru and father of Ayurveda, and is also called the physician of the gods. Dhanteras Puja On this festival day, devotees perform Dhanteras puja in the evening. All the family members of the household participate in the religious ceremony and offer fresh flowers, prasad, wheat, and various pulses as offerings to the deity during the puja. On the day of Dhantrayodashi, small red footprints are made near the entrance of the house to symbolize the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi. A square lamp with four lamps is also lit at the entrance of the house and in the house to remove negative energy. Tradition of buying gold and silver on Dhanteras Dhanteras is also considered an auspicious day to buy gold and silver, as these precious metals are said to protect one from bad omen. In fact, there is an interesting story associated with this belief. According to legend, astrologers had predicted that King Hima's son would be bitten by a snake on the fourth day of his marriage and would die. When that day came, his wife made sure that her husband did not sleep and placed his jewels, including gold and silver coins, at the entrance of his bedroom. She would also light a lamp at the door, tell stories and sing songs to keep her husband from sleeping.