Dhantrayodashi - First Day of Diwali Festival

The thirteenth day of the dark half of the month of Ashwin is known as Dhantrayodashi or Dhan Teras. This day falls two days before Diwali and marks the first day that Diwali festivities start.

The whole house is cleaned, the front porch or entrance area is washed, and colorful rangoli designs are made. This day represents "Dhan" or wealth, so a new item is purchased for the house, usually a metal utensil, or something made of precious metals such as gold, silver, or copper, to symbolize wealth and bring prosperity for the coming year.

Diyas (oil lamps) are lit in the evening and Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, is worshiped.

First invoke Lord Ganesh by reciting and meditating on the Ganesh Mantras:

Om Shri Ganeshaye Namaha


Om Vakratunda Mahakaya
Koti Surya Sama Prabha
Nirvignam Kuru mey deva
Sarva kareshu sarvada

Then offer prayers to Goddess Laxmi:

Laxmi Mantra

Sarve Mangal Maangaley
Shivey Savaartha Saadhikey
Sharanye Treyambikey Gauri
Naraayani Namostutey

which means:

Salutations to Thee, Divine Mother
Who bestows auspiciousness on all,
Essence of all good and noble,
Fulfills everyone's wishes,
Multi-formed, bright, and shelters all,
I surrender to Thee.