Dhanteras, being a festival of wealth, also means inaugurations and purchases of new & expensive possessions. Many Indians set up their businesses, launch new projects, hold housewarming, and set wedding dates on this day. Dhanteras is regarded as an auspicious occasion to buy some gold or silver articles. Many people shop for new utensils for their household. 

Diwali is celebrated for five days and consists of smaller festival like Dhanteras, Chhoti Diwali, Dewali, Govardhan Pooja and Bhai Dooj following on each consecutive day.

The First day of festival is called "Dhanteras" or "Dhantrayodashi", and takes place two days before Diwali, in honour of Dhanavantri, the physician of the gods and an incarnation of Vishnu. As such this day of the five-day Diwali festival has a great importance for the rich mercantile community of India.
 

 The legend of Samudramanthan tells the importance of these celebrations. According to this story, when the gods and demons churned the ocean for Amrut or nectar, Dhanavantri, the physician of the gods and an incarnation of Vishnu emerged carrying a jar of the elixir. 

"Lakshmi-Puja" is performed in the evening when tiny diyas of clay are lighted to drive away the shadows of evil spirits. "Bhajans"-devotional songs- in praise of Goddess Laxmi are sung and "Naivedya" of traditional sweets is offered to the Goddess.