Dhanteras, a festival of gold & glitter

Diwali celebrations begin today with Dhanteras, which is the first day of the five-day Diwali festival. It is also known as ‘Dhanatrayodashi’ or ‘Dhanvantari Trayodashi’. The word ‘dhan’ means wealth and ‘teras’ means 13th day.

On Dhanteras, Lakshmi -- the Goddess of wealth -- is worshiped to provide prosperity and well being. It is also the day for celebrating wealth. In the evening, a lamp is lit and Dhan-Lakshmi is welcomed into the house. Alpana or Rangoli designs are drawn on pathways including the Goddess' footprints to mark the arrival of Lakshmi. Aartis are sung eulogising Goddess Lakshmi and sweets and fruits are offered to her. People flock to jewellers and buy gold or silver jewellery or utensils to venerate the occasion of Dhanteras. Many wear new clothes and jewellery as they light the first lamp of Diwali, while some engage in a game of gambling.

“During this period we see a huge turnout in the number of customers. This is when we do the most business. We look forward to Dhanteras every year,” said Nuven Jain, who owns a local jewellery store.