Dhanatrayodaśī 1897: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Dhanatrayodaśī, from dhan (wealth) and teras (thirteenth), falls on Kṛṣṇa Pakṣa Trayodaśī (Āśvina Kṛṣṇa Trayodaśī under the amānta month reckoning used across South and West India, Kārtika Kṛṣṇa Trayodaśī under the pūrṇimānta reckoning used across North India) and marks the beginning of the five-day Dīpāvalī festivity. It is simultaneously the Jayantī (birthday) of Lord Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods who emerged from the cosmic ocean churning (Samudra Manthana) carrying the pot of nectar (amṛta) and the science of Āyurveda.

On this evening, Lakṣmī Pūjā is performed at Pradoṣa Kāla (evening twilight): when the goddess is believed to visit prosperous, well-lit homes. Homes are thoroughly cleaned and illuminated with dīpas and raṅgolī to welcome her. The timing of Pradoṣa Kāla (after sunset but before nightfall) is critical: performing the pūjā within this window is believed to bring Lakṣmī's blessings for the whole year.

Dhanatrayodaśī is the single biggest day for gold and silver purchases in India. Buying precious metals, copper utensils, or new vessels on this day is believed to usher in perpetual prosperity. The tradition links back to a story in which a young king was destined to die on the fourth day after marriage: his bride outwitted death by piling gold and silver around the bedroom door and singing songs all night, causing Yama to retreat without entering.