2018 Diwali festivities will begin with Dhanteras on Monday, November 5. Dhanteras is of great importance because three significant legends are associated with the auspicious day.
Dhanteras literally means dhan+ teras (wealth and 13th day). This is because the day falls on the thirteenth Krishna Paksha day in the Hindu month of Kartik. On this day, it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi was churned out of the milky ocean. And hence, she is worshipped with Kubera for wealth and prosperity.
It is also the day that marks the emergence of Lord Dhanavantri with a pitcher full divine nectar or Amrita Kalash. A number of people worship Dhanavantri for good health and well-being by offering their prayers to him.
Lord Yama is also worshipped by a number of people on this day. A lighted deep (Diya) referred to as the Yama Deepam is kept outside the house to please the God of Death and in turn, seek blessings to prevent untimely death.