Dhanteras is known as "Dhanatrayodashi" or "Dhanvantari Trayodashi". This auspicious day is celebrated two days before the Diwali.It is celebrated on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna paksha (dark fortnight) in the Hindu calendar month of Kartik in the Amaavasyanta Luni-Solar Calendar.
Legend behind the Dhanteras :
An ancient legend ascribes the occasion to an interesting story about the 16 year old son of King Hima. His horoscope predicted his death by snake-bite on the fourth day of his marriage. On that particular day, his newly-wed wife did not allow him to sleep. She laid out all her ornaments and lots of gold and silver coins in a heap at the entrance of the sleeping chamber and lit lamps all over the place. Then she narrated stories and sang songs to keep her husband from falling asleep.