India is celebrating the first day of Diwali, known as Dhanteras, on 9 November, i.e., today. The festival of lights will be celebrated on 11 November.
Hindus consider Dhanteras auspicious to purchase gold or silver articles or at least one or two new utensils.
It is believed that new Dhan or some form of precious metal is a sign of good luck.
The name Dhanteras is derived from Dhan which means wealth and tera which signifies the 13th day of the lunar cycle.
It holds great significance in the business community.
On Dhanteras, Lakshmi Puja is performed in the evenings when tiny diyas (earthen lamps) are lit to drive away the influence of evil spirits.
To celebrate this festival with their followers and fans, several Bollywood and television celebs have wished "Happy Dhanteras" on social media.
Here are some of the tweets:
Happy #Dhanteras everyone! May you be blessed with health, wealth & prosperityâ¤ï¸
— SOPHIE CHOUDRY (@Sophie_Choudry) November 9, 2015
Happy dhanteras everybody.An auspicious day for new beginnings.have a wonderful one filled with love,light&happiness. — Masaba Gupta (@MasabaG) November 9, 2015
Wishing all my tweethearts a v v v happy n special Dhanteras. May it be filled with love joy peace health n wealth abundant
— ameesha patel (@ameesha_patel) November 9, 2015
Happy Dhanteras! pic.twitter.com/NNUD0EVMnQ — Shobhaa De (@DeShobhaa) November 9, 2015
Happy Dhanteras everyone..Let the celebrations begin #yipee #diwalicelebrations pic.twitter.com/MzvhCPWlYb
— sneha ullal (@iamsnehaullal) November 9, 2015
Shubh #Dhanteras to you all. Much Loveeeeeeeeeeee — Ranganathan Madhavan (@ActorMadhavan) November 9, 2015
Happy Dhanteras everybody! Wish you all a ton of happiness and prosperity. Lots of love
— Diana Penty (@DianaPenty) November 9, 2015
