Dhanteras, a combination of the Sanskrit words “Dhan,” meaning wealth, and “Teras,” signifying the thirteenth day, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated two days before Diwali, the festival of lights. Falling on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the Hindu month of Kartika, Dhanteras marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali celebrations.

The festival of Dhanteras holds immense significance in Hinduism, and it is particularly sacred to the business community due to its association with wealth and prosperity. On this day, devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, and Lord Kubera, the treasurer of gods, seeking their divine blessings for prosperity, well-being, and progress.

An integral tradition of Dhanteras is buying new items, especially gold, silver, and utensils. Purchasing these items on Dhanteras is believed to ward off evil and bring good luck, prosperity, and wealth into the home. Many people also invest in property or start new business ventures on this day, considering it an auspicious occasion for new beginnings related to wealth and prosperity.

The rituals of Dhanteras involve a special Lakshmi Puja in the evening. Devotees clean their homes and business premises, decorate their entrances with colorful rangolis and light lamps, and pray to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera. Lighting a “Yama Deepam” is also customary, a lamp for the God of Death, Lord Yama, to avoid untimely Death.

The legend behind Dhanteras revolves around a 16-year-old son of King Hima, whose Death was predicted by a snake bite on the fourth day of his marriage as per his horoscope. On that particular day, his wife didn’t allow him to sleep. She laid out all her ornaments and gold coins at the entrance and lit lamps everywhere. When Yama, the god of Death, arrived as a serpent, his eyes were blinded by the brilliance of the lamps and the jewelry. Hence, Yama couldn’t enter the Prince’s chamber and returned, and the young Prince was saved. This day hence came to be celebrated as Dhanteras.

Another popular legend associated with Dhanteras is the churning of the ocean of milk (Samudra Manthan) by the Gods and demons. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean during the churning on the day of Dhantrayodashi, making this day even more promising.
In essence, Dhanteras is not just about wealth accumulation but also about the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. It reinforces the belief in divine intervention and the blessing of health, wealth, and prosperity.

In a modern context, Dhanteras symbolizes hope, optimism, and the promise of better days, especially for businesses. As an integral part of the grand festival of Diwali, Dhanteras sets the tone for festivities, happiness, and togetherness, reminding us to cherish our blessings and aspire for a better future. Regardless of the financial connotations associated with the festival, the real wealth celebrated on Dhanteras is health, harmony, and happiness in one’s life.