Dhanteras · धनतेरस
Dhanteras, on the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight of Kartika (purnimanta), opens the five days of Diwali. It honours Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods who emerged from the churning of the ocean, and Lakshmi and Kubera.
Dates
Dates and times are for New Delhi (Asia/Kolkata). They can differ in other places, especially outside India, and between traditions.
How the date is determined
Kartika (purnimanta) Krishna Trayodashi prevailing during Pradosh.
People clean their homes, buy metal utensils or gold, worship Lakshmi and Kubera in the evening, and light a lamp for Yama (Yama Deepam) at the doorway.
Regional and tradition differences
The Government of India marks the day as National Ayurveda Day in honour of Dhanvantari.
What to recite
Sources
- Dhanteras, Wikipedia (2026)
Change log
- : Published.