Dhanteras

What

Dhanteras marks the start of the five-day Diwali period, traditionally observed by purchasing gold, silver, or new utensils, cleaning the home, and lighting a diya in honor of Dhanvantari, the physician deity associated with health.

Why

The day pairs two intertwined ideas — wealth and health — reflecting an old, practical wisdom that prosperity without wellbeing is incomplete, and that both deserve deliberate attention rather than being taken for granted at the start of the larger festival season.

Preparation

• Clean the home thoroughly as the first step of Diwali preparations
• Consider a small, meaningful purchase if that's your custom
• Light a diya specifically for health and wellbeing
• Take stock of both your finances and your health together, honestly