The meaning of Dhanteras: its story, traditions and buying tips
Dhanteras opens the five days of Diwali. The stories of Dhanvantari and the lamp for Yama, the custom of buying metal, and how to check the hallmark on gold.
Rohit Tandon · 14 October 2026 · 4 min read
The five days of Diwali begin with Dhanteras. It falls on the Trayodashi (thirteenth day) of the dark half of the month of Kartik — the name comes from "dhan" (wealth) and "teras" (the thirteenth). On this day Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda, is worshipped, families buy new utensils or gold and silver, and in the evening a lamp is lit for Yama. In 2026, Dhanteras falls two days before Diwali (8 November); check the exact muhurat in your panchang.
The stories of Dhanteras
Lord Dhanvantari
According to the Puranas, Lord Dhanvantari appeared on this day during the churning of the ocean, holding a pot of amrit (nectar). He is regarded as the father of Ayurveda and the physician of the gods. That is why Dhanteras is also called "Dhanvantari Jayanti", and people linked with Ayurveda hold special prayers on this day. One meaning of "dhan" is also the wealth of health — "the first happiness is a healthy body".
The story of the lamp for Yama
According to a folk tale, the horoscope of King Hima's son said he would die of a snakebite on the fourth day of his marriage. That night his wife piled up gold and silver ornaments at the door of the room, lit many lamps and kept telling stories and singing songs all night. Dazzled by the glitter, Yama, who had come in the form of a snake, could not get in and went back. In memory of this, on Dhanteras evening a lamp is lit for Yama outside the house, facing south — this is called "Yam Deepdaan".
The traditions of Dhanteras
| Tradition | Belief |
|---|---|
| Buying utensils | Dhanvantari appeared with a pot of nectar, so new metal utensils are seen as auspicious |
| Gold and silver | A symbol of prosperity and of welcoming Lakshmi |
| A broom | In many regions a new broom is bought — a symbol of sweeping poverty out of the home |
| Yam Deepdaan | A wish for the family's safety and long life |
| Kubera and Lakshmi Puja | A wish for wealth and prosperity |
Did you know? Around Dhanteras, sales of gold, silver and utensils in India reach their highest level of the year. That is why jewellers and markets prepare for this day weeks in advance.
If you buy gold, check the hallmark
Since June 2021, hallmarking of gold jewellery has been mandatory in India (with some exemptions). The hallmark of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) guarantees the purity of the gold. When buying jewellery, check these things:
- The BIS triangle mark on the piece.
- The purity mark — such as 22K916 (22 carat) or 18K750 (18 carat).
- The 6-digit HUID (Hallmark Unique ID) — enter it in the government's "BIS Care" app to check the details of the piece.
- Take a proper bill, showing the weight, purity and making charges separately.
Key points
- Dhanteras falls on Kartik Krishna Trayodashi and is the first day of the Diwali festival.
- It is also the birth anniversary of Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda.
- In the evening a lamp is lit for Yama, facing south.
- Buying utensils, gold and silver, and a broom is considered auspicious.
- When buying gold, always check the BIS hallmark and the 6-digit HUID.
Read the story of the whole festival in Why is Diwali celebrated and Interesting facts about Diwali.
Frequently asked questions
What is auspicious to buy on Dhanteras?
By tradition, metal utensils, gold and silver, coins and a broom. Buy only according to your needs and budget.
Why is a lamp lit for Yama on Dhanteras?
According to the folk tale, the lamp for Yama protects the family; it is lit outside the house, facing south.
Read more: Interesting facts · General knowledge questions.
Sources
Found this useful? Share it.