New Delhi, Nov. 6 -- Dhanteras, which marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival, is considered an auspicious occasion to buy gold, silver and other valuable household items. Every year, families across India purchase jewellery, coins and precious metals on the occasion, believing that these items bring prosperity, good fortune and financial stability.

But the tradition of buying gold on Dhanteras goes beyond the belief that the yellow metal is auspicious. The festival has two important mythological connections -- one with Goddess Lakshmi, who represents wealth, and another with Lord Dhanvantari, who is associated with health and healing.

The word Dhanteras itself comes from two Sanskrit words -- 'Dhan', meaning wealth, and 'Te...