Dhanteras starts the biggest Hindu celebration called Diwali. It is an auspicious ceremony also known as Dhanatrayodashi, the first day that marks the festival of Diwali in India. Dhanteras is an amalgamation of the Sanskrit words "dhan," which stands for wealth, and "teras,” which refers to the 13th lunar day of Krishnapaksha (dark fortnight) in the Hindu calendar month of Ashvini.