'Dhan' in Hindi means wealth, and 'Teras' means number 13th. Also known as Dhanatrayodashi or Dhanvantari Trayodashi, Dhanteras is, accordingly, derived to mean the day devoted to wealth that falls on the 13th day of the Krishna Paksha (waning moon period) in the Hindu calendar month of Ashwin.
People seek to usher in wealth into their homes and buy gold, silver and utensils as a sign of good luck on this day. In some parts of the country, people also worship Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi.
Below are the Dhanteras 2017 pooja muhurta:
Dhanteras Puja Muhurta — 7:19pm to 8:17pm
Pradosh Kaal — 5:45pm to 8:17pm
Vrishabha Kaal — 7:19pm to 9:14pm
Trayodashi Tithi Starts — 12:26 am (midnight) on October 17
Trayodashi Tithi Ends — 12:08 am (midnight) on October 18