Dhanteras

Dhanteras is celebrated on the Trayodashi of the Krishna Paksha of the Kartik month and is the first day of the five-day Diwali festival. It is also called Dhanatrayodashi. According to the Puranic story, at the time of the churning of the ocean, Lord Dhanvantari appeared holding a pot filled with nectar. He is regarded as the deity of Ayurveda, so good health is also prayed for on this day. In India, Ayurveda Day is also observed on this day. On this day there is also a tradition of worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Kuber, the god of wealth. It is believed that true wealth is not only gold and silver but also health, happiness and contentment.

Dhanteras falls on the Kartik Krishna Trayodashi, about two days before Diwali. The Pradosh Kaal, the time after sunset, is considered auspicious for the puja, so the puja is performed on the day when the Trayodashi tithi is present during Pradosh Kaal. Check the calendar date given above, and see the Panchang for your city's puja muhurat.

• Idol or picture of Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi and Kuber Dev, a chowki, a red or yellow cloth • Kalash, Gangajal, coconut, mango leaves • Roli, sandalwood paste, akshat, turmeric, lotus or marigold flowers • Incense, ghee lamps, camphor • Sweets, khil-batasha, fruits, dry fruits • New utensils, coins or jewellery (for worship), and a four-faced flour lamp for Yam Deepdaan

1. Bathe in the morning and clean the house and the puja spot. Decorate the main door with rangoli and toran. 2. During Pradosh Kaal in the evening, install the idols of Dhanvantari, Lakshmi and Kuber on the chowki. 3. Install the kalash, light a lamp and offer roli, akshat, flowers and sweets. 4. Chant the Dhanvantari mantra, the Kuber mantra and the Lakshmi mantra. 5. Perform Goddess Lakshmi's aarti and distribute the prasad. 6. After the puja, also worship the new utensils, coins or jewellery.

In the evening, a four-faced lamp made of flour is lit outside the main door of the house, facing south. This is called Yam Deepdaan. It is believed that this removes the fear of untimely death. According to the story, in the horoscope of the son of King Hima there was a prediction of death by snakebite on the fourth day after his marriage. That night his wife piled up jewellery and coins at the door, lit lamps all around and stayed awake singing stories and songs. Yamraj came in the form of a snake but could not enter because of the glow of the lamps and the jewellery, and went back. From then on the tradition of Yam Deepdaan began.

Buying gold, silver, utensils, new items or any auspicious object on this day is considered auspicious. It is believed that this keeps prosperity in the home throughout the year. Buy according to your means, because the spirit of worship is what matters most.