Dhanteras also known as Dhantrayodashi or Dhanwantri Jayanti is revered by Hindus across the world as a festival of health, wealth, and prosperity. It also marks the beginning of five day festivities of Diwali, which is celebrated to honour the home coming of lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. The Hindu festival falls on the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) Trayodashi (thirteenth day after full moon), in the month of Kartik according to the traditional Hindu calendar. This year Dhanteras falls on October 17, 2017.