What is dhanteras?

Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi or Dhanvantari Jayanti, is a Hindu festival celebrated two days before the festival of Diwali. It falls on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Ashwin.

Dhanteras is considered an auspicious day to buy gold, silver, and utensils as it is believed that doing so brings prosperity and good fortune. The word "Dhanteras" is derived from the word "Dhan" which means wealth and "Teras" which means the thirteenth day.

On Dhanteras, people clean and decorate their homes, light lamps, and offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera, the gods of wealth. It is also believed that buying metals on this day helps in increasing wealth and bringing happiness and good luck.

In some parts of India, people also worship Lord Dhanvantari, who is considered the god of Ayurveda and is believed to have brought the science of medicine to mankind. Special prayers and rituals are performed in his honor on Dhanteras.

Overall, Dhanteras is a significant festival in Hindu culture that is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion across the country.