Dhan Teras

Dhan Teras falls two days before Diwali. The word “Dhan” means wealth and “Teras” means 13th day of lunar fortnight. God Yama yam is worshipped on this day to provide prosperity and well being.
As such this day has a great importance for the community of North & Western India . Houses and Business premises are renovated and decorated. Entrances are made colourful with lovely traditional motifs of Rangoli rangolee designs to welcome the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. To indicate her long-awaited arrival, small footprints are drawn with rice flour and vermilion powder all over the houses. Lamps are kept burning all through the nights.
Celebrations include shopping of new clothes, jewelry, new utensils, sweets and beautiful lanterns, especially for Dhantrayodashi . On the occasion, corporate and any enterprise find it the perfect time to gift their employees. Gift hampers are marked with corporate name and logo; also used for promotional handouts.
As per a legend, when the gods and demons stirred the ocean for Amrit (the potion which makes one immortal), Dhanavantri - physician of the gods - who is also supposed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu emerged from beneath the waters carrying the jug containing the potion.
Dhan Teras, Dhanvantari Jayanti, Yam Tarpan : Sun, 26 Oct 2008