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Dhanteras

Amongst the radial days of Diwali celebrations comes another festival popularly known as Dhanteras. Also known by the name of Dhantrayodashi, it falls on the thirteenth day of the Hindu month Ashwin which falls near October or November. It is first day in the five day Diwali celebration. While the preparations for Diwali are on full swing, Dhanteras adds a tinge of excitement to the festive season.

While the entire day is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity, it is also believed that on this day accolades are given to Dhanyantri, an incarnation of Vishnu. The legend behind celebration of this day is centered on the sixteen year old son of King Hima. It was written in his horoscope that he would be bitten by a snake on the fourth of his marriage. Therefore to protect him, his wife kept him awake the entire night. She did not allow her husband to enter the room where she laid all her ornaments and gold and silver coins. She lit the entire room with light and kept on singing till dusk. She also told her husband interesting stories to make sure that her husband doesn’t sleep. When Lord Yama, the God of Death came in guise of a serpent, his eyes were dazzled by the light and shine of ornaments and gold. Lord Yama sat on that heap of ornaments and coins and listened to the beautiful songs and left in the morning. Thus she was successful in saving her husband from the jaws of Death.

This day has a great significance among the business class all over the country. Goddess Laxmi is prayed and acknowledged for her blessings.
Houses and Business places are beautifully decorated with intricately carved items and designs made from colored powder known as Rangoli to welcome Goddess and to please her in lieu of her blessings. It has been a tradition from centuries to buy new utensils, cars or equipments on this day as it is considered to be the most auspicious and lucky day of the year for starting new business ventures or buying things of bulk value. Also Gold and Silver coins and ornaments are bought in huge number on this day and kept in front of the idol of Goddess. Devotional songs and prayers are offered the entire day.