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Dhanteras
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Dhanteras

religious observance
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Dhanteras is the first day of the five-day Diwali festival, celebrated on the 13th lunar day of the Hindu month of Karttika. The name combines dhan (wealth) and teras (13th day).12

On Dhanteras, devotees worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and fortune; Kubera, the god of wealth; and Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda. A central tradition is purchasing precious metals like gold and silver, as well as other valuables, believing it invites good fortune. Homes are cleaned and decorated with rangoli to welcome Lakshmi, symbolizing prosperity and the expulsion of poverty. Devotees pray for both material wealth and good health.1234

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
5 Britannica Sources
  1. Diwali and Beyond
  2. Akshaya Tritiya: Top Questions
  3. Diwali and Beyond: Top Questions
  4. Kubera: Top Questions
  5. Dussehra: Top Questions

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