Dhanteras. Dhan — wealth. Teras — the thirteenth day.
Every year, as Diwali approaches, we celebrate Dhanteras by cleaning our homes, lighting diyas, buying something new and, traditionally, purchasing gold, silver or utensils. It is considered an auspicious day to invite prosperity into our lives.
But there is a deeper meaning to Dhanteras that I have always found particularly beautiful.
The first wealth we should celebrate is not the wealth kept in a locker. It is the wealth we carry within our own body.
The story of the churning of the ocean
The ancient story of Samudra Manthan—the churning of the cosmic ocean—is at the heart of the significance of Dhanteras.
According to Hindu tradition, when the devas and asuras churned the ocean of milk, many extraordinary treasures emerged. Among them was Dhanvantari, the divine physician, who appeared carrying the amrita—the nectar of immortality and healing.
Dhanvantari is therefore revered as the divine embodiment of Ayurveda and healing.
And this is where I believe the real message of Dhanteras lies.
Before wealth, there must be health.
What good is gold if the body cannot enjoy life?
What is the value of a beautiful home if the mind within it is restless?
What is the meaning of material prosperity if we do not have the strength, energy and well-being to experience it?
Gold can be purchased.
Property can be accumulated.
Businesses can be built.
But good health, peace of mind and vitality are treasures that cannot simply be bought.
The first Dhan is the body
For me, Dhanteras is a reminder to pause and ask a simple question:
Am I taking care of my greatest wealth—my body and my mind?
Our body is the first vessel of prosperity.
It allows us to work, create, cook, travel, love, laugh, build businesses, raise families and pursue our dreams. Our mind gives us the ability to think, imagine, learn and experience the world.
So perhaps the true celebration of Dhanteras begins not in the jewellery shop, but at the dining table.
It begins with good nutrition, wholesome food, moderation, movement, adequate rest and a peaceful mind.
This does not mean that buying gold on Dhanteras is wrong. Quite the opposite—it is a beautiful and auspicious tradition and a symbol of prosperity.
But I believe we should remember what comes first.
Gold is wealth.
Health is the wealth that allows us to enjoy all other wealth.
Food as an offering to the body
As someone who has spent much of my life around food, I have come to believe that cooking is much more than preparing something delicious.
Food is nourishment.
Food is culture.
Food is memory.
And, when prepared with awareness, food can also become an offering of gratitude to the body.
On Dhanteras, therefore, I like the idea of celebrating simple foods that have traditionally been associated with nourishment and vitality.
One such combination is honey and almonds.
Almonds provide healthy fats, protein, fibre and several micronutrients, while honey has been treasured across Indian culinary and traditional practices for centuries. Together, they make a wonderfully simple preparation—sweet, nourishing and symbolic of abundance.
My Divine Honey & Almond Dhanteras Recipe
Ingredients
- 10–12 almonds
- 1–2 teaspoons good-quality honey
- 2–3 strands of saffron
- 2 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- A few drops of rose water
- 1 teaspoon warm milk, optional
- A tiny pinch of cinnamon, optional
Method
Soak the almonds overnight.
The next morning, peel them and gently crush or chop them. Place them in a small bowl and add the saffron, cardamom and rose water.
Add the honey just before serving and mix gently.
If you prefer a softer preparation, add a teaspoon of warm milk.
Serve it as a small morning or festive portion, accompanied by gratitude.
My Dhanteras touch: Place the preparation in a beautiful silver or brass bowl, light a small diya beside it and take a moment before eating.
Not simply to pray for more wealth—but to give thanks for the wealth you already possess.
A prayer for the real Dhan
This Dhanteras, let us certainly celebrate prosperity.
Buy the gold if you wish.
Buy the silver.
Bring something auspicious into your home.
But also give yourself another gift.
Give your body better food.
Give your mind a little peace.
Give your family your time.
Give your health your attention.
Because the greatest treasure is not something we keep in a safe.
It is something we wake up with every morning.
A body that works.
A mind that is at peace.
A heart that can love.
And the strength to live another beautiful day.
That, to me, is the first Dhan of Dhanteras.
And perhaps the most precious one of all.
This Dhanteras, may Dhanvantari bless every home not only with prosperity, but with health, nourishment, healing and well-being.
Shubh Dhanteras.
