Honors Dhanvantari, the physician-deity said to have emerged from the churning of the cosmic ocean bearing the nectar of immortality. A day for buying gold, silver, or new utensils — the purchase itself is considered to invite prosperity into the year ahead.
कार्तिक कृष्ण त्रयोदशी · दिन १
A second tradition on this day involves lighting a lamp facing south for Yama, god of death, to ward off untimely death in the household — a ritual known as Yama Deepam.
Small footprints are drawn from the door inward with rice flour and vermilion, symbolizing Lakshmi's arrival into the home.