Facts about Dhanteras, the beginning of Diwali celebrations

While the nation is already soaked in Diwali fever, Dhanteras on Friday officially marked the commencement of five-day-long festival of lights. Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, is a Hindu festival that literally means 'dhan' or wealth. It is considered auspicious to buy precious metals on this day. The logic behind buying something made of metal is the fact that it is considered a harbinger of good luck and is supposed to keep negative energy at bay.