India, Oct. 17 -- Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival. In 2025, the festival will be celebrated on Saturday, October 18. The day holds great significance as it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, emerged from the ocean during the churning of the Milky Sea (Samudra Manthan).

On Dhanteras, devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera, the god of wealth, seeking blessings for prosperity and wellbeing. The word Dhanteras or Dhantrayoashi originated from the term 'Dhan', meaning wealth, and 'Teras', referring to the 13th day of the lunar fortnight.

Dhanteras marks the day when wealth and prosperity enter homes, according to Drik Panchang. People clean...