Explainer: Dhanteras, first day of 5-day-long Diwali celebrations

NEW DELHI: Dhanteras signifies the first day of the five-day-long Diwali celebrations. The word Dhanteras is made of two words—'Dhan' which means wealth, and 'Teras' which means 13th day. The day is also known as Dhanatrayodashi or Dhanvantari Trayodashi.

When: According to the Hindu calendar, Dhanteras falls on the 13th lunar day of Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Ashwin. This year, Dhanteras will be celebrated today (November 5), two days before Diwali is celebrated. Dhanteras rituals should be ideally performed during the pradosh kaal that begins after sunset and lasts for 2 hours and 24 minutes. Sthir lagna is considered to be the most auspicious time to start the puja since Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, is believed to be residing inside the home during this period.

Who: Traditionally, Lakshmi, Ganesha (the remover of obstacles) and Kubera (the god of wealth) are all worshipped on Dhanteras. One legend claims that while the ocean was being churned by gods and demons to extract amrit (or nectar), Dhanvantari (the physician of the gods) emerged from the waters and hence, the day is celebrated as Dhanteras.

How: The long-standing Dhanteras custom involves the purchase of valuable products like gold, silver, jewellery, ornaments and gemstones, or even household utensils. The belief is these act as protection against ill will and also usher in Lakshmi (or wealth) and good luck into your home. It is also common practice for people to clean up their places on the occasion.

FYI: The NSE and BSE too will extend the trading session for gold exchange traded funds and sovereign gold bonds till 7 pm today.