Hindu festival Dhanteras or Dhanwantri Diwas

Dhanteras or Dhan trayodashi is the thirteenth day of waning moon period of Kartik month (Hindu calendar, ref. North India) celebrated for wealth and prosperity. The day is also birthday of Lord Dhanvantari (God of medicine, in Hindu Mythology) which has immense significance for Ayurveda practitioners. Observed two days before Diwali, Dhanteras heralds the festival of lights (victory over darkness or evil).

 On the occasion, Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped who is the Goddess of wealth. Dhanteras is celebrated at homes for wealth and happiness, while at business centers for growth, success and profitability. People purchase precious metals, Gold, Silver etc. on this occasion as an auspicious investment, while Jewelers wait for the occasion for maximum business on this day.

 There are several legends associated with Dhanteras or Dhanwantri Diwas. One of it is that in the war of Demons and Gods to churn nectar from the ocean, Lord Vishnu’s incarnation Lord Dhanwantri appeared carrying the pot of nectar in his hands, which blessed the Gods. Lord Dhanwantri is worshipped as a source of Ayurveda and the practitioners and other people pray to for removing all diseases and sufferings and bless with good health. The Mantra for worshipping Lord Dhanwantri is as below:

"Om Namo Bhagavate Maha Sudharshana Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye;
Amrutha Kalasa Hasthaaya, Sarva Bhaya Vinasaya, Sarva Roka Nivaranaya 
Thri Lokya Pathaye, Thri Lokya Nithaye, Sri Maha Vishnu Swarupa, Sri Dhanvantri Swarupa 
Sri Sri Sri Aoushata Chakra Narayana Swaha"

 The celebrations are mostly eco-friendly:

• People do prayers
• Make rangolis
• Clean and decorate houses
• Light lamps

 The day can be made eco-friendlier and festivities could be bettered:

• The true wealth is Health and Good health begins with clean environment, fresh air
  • Besides home cleaning and decoration, step forward for community cleaning as well.
  • Educate people about cleanliness, recycling and stop them from littering
• Avoid going for shopping in the peak traffic hours. Shopping ahead of time may save you time and get even good deals. While, this sure is going to save you on fuel and environmental pollution
• Minimize firecrackers by picking a common community ground. This will also increase cohesiveness while minimize pollution.
• Avoid noisy crackers to minimize noise pollution