Dhanteras Poojan Katha

The First day of Deepawali festival called Dhanteras or Dhan Trayodashi or Dhanwantari Triodashi, falls on the thirteenth lunar day after full moon in the Hindu month of Kartik (October/November). The word "Dhan" means wealth.

Believing this day to be auspicious women purchase some gold or silver or at least one or two new utensils. "Lakshmi-Puja" is performed in the evenings when tiny diyas of clay are lighted to drive away the shadows of evil spirits.