Dhanteras or Dhana Trayodashi marks the beginning of the five day Diwali festival. It is the auspicious thirteenth day of Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the Hindu calendar during the month of Ashwin (October/November).
People worship Lord Yamaraj, the God of death, on this day and light a 'Yama-Diya' in the night to offer prayers to him to bless them with prosperity, well-being and protection. The word ‘Dhan’ in Dhanteras signifies wealth and this day has a special significance for the business community due to the customary purchases of precious metals. People buy gold or silver jewelry or utensils to venerate the occasion of Dhanteras. In Maharashtra, there is a custom to lightly pound dry coriander seeds with jaggery and offer as Naivedya. In the rural areas the cultivators worship their cattle because they form the main source of income and livelihood. To mark the auspicious day, houses and business premises are renovated and decorated. Entrances are made colorful with traditional Rangoli designs to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. To indicate her long-awaited arrival, small footprints are drawn with rice flour and vermilion powder all over the houses. Lamps are kept burning all through the night.
There are many mythological stories associated with this day. One such legend is that when the Gods and demons churned the ocean for Amrit, Dhanvantri, the physician of the Gods and an incarnation of Vishnu is believed to have emerged from the ocean carrying a jar of the elixir on the day of Dhanteras. Another story is about the sixteen year old son of King Hima who was doomed to die of a snake-bite on the fourth day of his marriage. So, on the fourth day of his marriage, his young wife did not allow him to sleep. She laid out gold ornaments and lots of silver coins in a big heap at the entrance of her husband's chamber and lighted innumerable lamps all over the place. And she went on telling stories and singing songs. When Yama, the god of Death arrived there in the guise of a Serpent his eyes got blinded by the dazzle of those brilliant lights and he could not enter the Prince's chamber. So he climbed on top of the heap of ornaments and coins and sat there the whole night listening to the melodious songs. In the morning he quietly went away. Thus the young wife saved her husband from the clutches of death. Since then this day of Dhanteras came to be known as the day of "Yamadeepdaan" and lamps are kept burning throughout the night in reverential adoration to Yama, the god of Death.
Dhanteras is followed by the day of Narakchaturdashi. It was the day when the demon Narakasura was killed by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama. On this day Hindus get up early, apply perfumed oils before bathing and wear new clothes. A large breakfast consisting of special Diwali goodies and sweets is enjoyed with relatives and friends. In the evening, a mix of bright and loud fireworks are set off in an atmosphere of joyful fun and noise. Houses are lit with several oil lamps during the evening.
The third day of Diwali is the day of Lakshmi Poojan. It is the Amavasya or the New Moon night, the last day of the month of Ashwin. It is marked with the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth in her most benevolent mood, fulfilling the wishes of her devotees. As on the day of Narakchaturdashi, people celebrate with wearing new clothes, eating Diwali sweets, lighting lamps and burning firecrackers. Lakshmi Poojan is carried out at sunset with great aplomb.
Day four is called Bali Pratipada, the first day of the month of Kartik. According to Hindu legend, this day commemorates the victory of god Vishnu in his dwarf incarnation Vamana (the fifth incarnation of the Dashavatara) defeating Bali, and pushing him to the nether world. But Bali was bestowed a boon by Vishnu to return to earth for one day on this day to be honored and celebrated for his devotion to the Lord and for his noble deeds to his people. This day is also celebrated by lighting lamps and burning fire crackers.
The last day of Diwali is called Bhai-Dooj. On this day, sisters pray for their brothers to have long and happy lives, and brothers make gifts to their sisters. Sisters perform aarti for their brother and apply a red tika on the brother's forehead. It is a time for family reunions as all brothers and sisters in the family get together. Thus Diwali, probably the biggest and most wide-spread festival of India is celebrated with great enthusiasm, devotion and fervor.
