what do people typically do on the first day of diwali, known as the dhanteras?

On the first day of Diwali, known as Dhanteras, people typically clean and decorate their homes to invite prosperity and good fortune. They worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera with prayers and rituals, light oil lamps (diyas) around the house, and draw colorful rangoli patterns at the entrance. It is a tradition to buy new items, especially gold, silver, or utensils, as these purchases symbolize welcoming wealth into the home. Families prepare sweets and offer them as prasad during the puja. The entire day is filled with rituals intended to seek blessings for health, wealth, and success. Keeping diyas burning through the night is also a common practice to symbolize continuous light and good fortune.