Dhanteras is celebrated on the thirteenth day (teras) of the Krishna paksha (the waning cycle) of the lunar month of Ashwin in the Hindu calendar. It heralds the beginning of the five days of Diwali, the biggest festival for Hindus in India and all over the world. Dhanteras falls on October 26th, 2008.

Dhanteras also has great importance for the trading and business communities in India. Homes and businesses undergo a tremendous transformation via extensive cleaning, renovations and decorations. Traditional artwork of rangoli designs are made to welcome the Lakshmi – Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Lakshmi puja is performed in the evenings and naivedya – a collection of traditional sweets – is offered as prasad to the Goddess.