The five-day Diwali festival will kick off on October 29th, with Dhanteras marking the first day of the celebrations. Considered a day that brings prosperity and good fortune, citizens are preparing to observe the auspicious occasion by purchasing precious metals, despite the soaring prices this year.

Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, falls on the 13th day of the Kartik month. The auspicious time for the Dhanteras puja, or "muhurat," is scheduled between 6:31 PM and 8:21 PM on Tuesday. In keeping with tradition, people will perform "Lakshmi Puja" in the evening, lighting earthen lamps (diyas) to ward off negative energies. Devotional songs dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi will be sung by the women of the household, and "Naivedya," or traditional homemade sweets like karanji, laddu, peda, and halwa, will be offered to the Goddess.

According to mythology, Dhanteras commemorates the day when Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean with the "nectar" (Amrit) during the Samudra Manthan. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Lakshmi visits her devotees' homes, granting them blessings and fulfilling their wishes. Lighting oil lamps in her honor is a widely practiced ritual.

A key tradition on Dhanteras is purchasing gold, silver, or other precious metals, symbolizing the acquisition of "Dhan" (wealth) on the auspicious day. Communities such as Marwaris, Gujaratis, Maharashtrians, and North Indians meticulously follow this custom, worshipping Lord Kuber and Lord Dhanvantari and buying precious items in the hope of bringing good fortune and prosperity for the coming year. Special offers, such as discounted prices and reduced making charges, attract buyers on this day.

However, in 2024, high metal prices pose a challenge for many. The price of 24-carat gold has reached ₹79,800 per 10 grams, while silver is priced at approximately ₹1 lakh per kilogram or ₹10,000 per 10 grams, making purchases difficult for the middle class.

Dhanteras is also referred to as "Yama Deep Daan," a tradition where lamps are kept burning throughout the night to honour ancestors.