Dhanteras

Dhanteras (Dhantrayodashi) opens the five days of Diwali. Tradition remembers Lord Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods, who emerged from the churning of the ocean with the pot of amrit, so the day is also associated with health and Ayurveda.

Families clean and decorate their homes, buy a small utensil, coin or something useful as a sign of welcome to prosperity, and light a diya outside the house for Yama at dusk. Buying is optional, as the true spirit is gratitude and restraint. A Lakshmi pujan can be performed in your name through an online sankalp.