Dhanteras or Dhantrayodashi is the first day of Diwali. On this day Dhanvantari, an avatar of Lord Vishnu and the god of ayurveda, is worshipped. Dhanteras is made up of two words – “Dhan” which means wealth and “Teras” which means thirteen. The day of abundance and prosperity is celebrated on the thirteenth day (Trayodashi) of the Krishna Paksha in the Hindu lunar month of Kartik. People worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Dhanvantari, Lord Kuber, and Yamraj on this day.

Also Read | Dhanteras 2021: All you need to know about the festival of prosperity

Dhanteras is considered an auspicious day for purchases, especially gold, silver, and kitchenware. It is believed that purchasing something on Dhanteras brings good fortune and wealth.

Dhanteras is being celebrated today on November 2 as it is the first day of Diwali celebrations.

Dhanteras 2021: Puja Timings

This year Dhanteras puja will begin at 06.17 pm and end by 08.11 pm.

The Trayodashi Tithi will start at 11.31 am on 2 November and end at 09.02 am on 3 November.

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Auspicious things to buy on Dhanteras to bring fortune, wealth, and prosperity to your home:

1. Buying Gold, silver, brass, and copper items or utensils made of brass is considered auspicious on this day.

2. Buying Lakshmi Ganesh idols made of metal or clay and placing them for puja is considered beneficial.

3. According to traditional beliefs, buy utensils made of brass, copper, or silver, fill them with food or water before stepping inside the house with other newly bought items for prosperity. Buying scissors, knives, pins, or aluminum utensils is considered to be unlucky.

4. Brooms are believed to remove negativity from the house, which the  goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, visits. Buying brooms removes all financial worries related to the home, and is assumed to be lucky.

5. Gomti Chakra is a rare sea snail found in the river Gomti, which brings success and offers protection from the evil eye. Eleven Gomti chakras wrapped in a yellow cloth can be used in Diwali puja. These are sacred and not easily found.

6. People open new shops, offices, businesses and even bank accounts on Dhanteras.

7. Buying real-estate, electronics, furniture and home appliances is considered auspicious on Dhanteras.