Dhanteras is a festival which falls on the first day of the five day Diwali festival extravaganza. Other names of this occasion are Dhantrayodashi or Dhanvantari Triodasi. As per the Hindu calender, it is celebrated on the thirteenth day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. Dhanteras 2010 falls on 3 November (as per the more popular Gregorian calender).
Dhanteras day is considered especially fortuitous by the merchant, business class households. Preparations involve homes work premises being renovated and bedecked with decorations. From the Rangolis at the entrances to the vermilion and rice flour footprints throughout the house to the burning lamps, everything welcomes Goddess Lakshmi to shower her blessings on the residents.
This festival pays tribute to wealth and prosperity and thus is considered the right time for procuring new gold or silver articles or new utensils for own use and as Dhanteras gifts as well. Dhanteras is also a good time for gift shopping for the occasion of Diwali two days away.
Lakshmi Pujan is the main focus of the Dhanteras celebrations, it is organised right before sunset and clay diyas are lighted to drive away evil spirits. Devotional songs in reverence of Goddess Laxmi are sung, these are called Bhajans. Prasad or Naivedya of traditional sweets is offered to the Goddess. Cows are also worshipped on this day as they are the incarnation of Laxmi.
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