what is dhanteras

Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, is the first day that marks the festival of Diwali in most of India. It is a celebration of wealth and prosperity, and it holds profound historical and cultural significance in Hindu traditions. The word "Dhanteras" is derived from "Dhan," which means wealth, and "Teras," signifying the thirteenth day of the lunar fortnight. On this day, devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera, Dhanvantari, and other deities. It is also considered an auspicious day for buying gold, silver jewelry, utensils, and even electronics to welcome Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera to their homes, as they represent wealth and prosperity in Hindu mythology. Dhanteras is also associated with the churning of the ocean, known as the Samudra Manthan, during which several divine gifts emerged, including the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, and Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods. The day is celebrated by cleaning and decorating homes, lighting lamps, and making rangoli designs to welcome the goddess of wealth. It is a time when people engage in various customs and rituals to usher in prosperity and well-being.