Dhateras marks the beginning of the Diwali festivities. It is celebrated in the Hindu month of Kartik. This year, people will celebrate Dhanteras on 13th November. People worship Lakshmi, Lord Kuber, Lord Yama and Lord Dhanvantari and wish for prosperity and wealth. Dhanteras is also known as Dhanatrayodashi’ or ‘Dhanvantari Trayodashi.
According to Hindu mythology, on this day, Goddess Lakshmi made an appearance from the ocean of milk with a pot full of gold and Lord Kubera. Lord Kubera is referred to as the God of wealth. People worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera for wealth and success.
People also worship Lord Yamraj. He is the God of death. He is worshipped for long and happy life. It is said that there was a king named ‘Hima’. His son was told that he’ll die on the 4th day of his marriage. Hima’s daughter-in-law placed all her gold and silver jewellery along with diyas on the entrance. When Lord Yamraj came, he got blind by the bright light on the entrance. This saved the life of Hima’s son. People light diyas all around the house including the entrance to protect their families from death.
Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean with a pot of gold so people worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera and try to please them. On this day, people buy materialistic things like jewellery, utensils, furniture, etc. It is said that buying these things on the day of Dhanteras will bring good luck to the home.
