What is the name of the first day of Diwali, dedicated to cleaning and shopping? Dhanteras is the first day of Diwali in most Indian traditions, associated with cleaning homes and auspicious shopping.
The name comes from Sanskrit-derived terms for wealth and the thirteenth lunar day: Dhanteras falls on the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight of Ashwin or Kartik, depending on the calendar tradition. Families clean and decorate homes and businesses, light lamps, and commonly buy utensils, household goods, gold, jewellery or other items considered auspicious.
Dhanteras is also called Dhanatrayodashi. Its religious associations extend beyond shopping: some devotees honour Lakshmi and Ganesha, while others worship Dhanvantari, the Ayurvedic deity of health and healing. A related observance, Yama Deepam, involves lighting a lamp for Yama, the god of death, in some communities.
The exact sequence and names of Diwali days vary regionally, so “first day” is a useful general description rather than an absolute rule everywhere. Naraka Chaturdashi follows in many calendars, while Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj come later.