Dhanteras greetings: Messages to send family and friends on WhatsApp and Facebook

The Diwali celebrations begin with Dhanatrayodashi. The thirteenth day (trayodashi) of the Krishna Paksha, the waning phase of the moon, in the month of Kartik is called Dhanatrayodashi or Dhanteras. It is the first day of the five-day Diwali festival. Special prayers are offered on this day to Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi. Dhanvantari is regarded as the god of Ayurveda and good health, while Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth, splendour and prosperity.

On Dhanatrayodashi, buying gold, silver, new utensils, electronic goods or a broom is considered auspicious. There is also a tradition of lighting 13 lamps in the evening so that happiness and prosperity stay in the home and negativity is kept away. Markets are lit up with lamps, shops draw crowds of buyers and Diwali preparations pick up pace in homes.

But the joy of the day is not limited to shopping and prayers. It is also a day to share happiness with family, friends and loved ones. Relatives who live far away can be sent greetings on WhatsApp, Facebook or by text message. Some messages that can be sent to loved ones this Dhanatrayodashi are given here.

One message wishes that Lakshmi be with you, wealth pour down and health remain good, and that this Dhanatrayodashi bring you a happy morning. Another wishes that the day bring prosperity, good health and joy, and that the coming year be a happy one.

Some messages invoke Dhanvantari and Lakshmi. They say that Dhanvantari's blessings remain on you always, that life be free of illness and that wealth keep pouring in. They also wish that Lakshmi's blessings stay on the home and that it be filled with wealth and grain. One message speaks of Kubera, the god of wealth, dwelling in the home.

There are messages on the light of lamps too. One says that the glow of the lamps drive all the darkness from your life and bring a new light of happiness and prosperity. Another says that your home be lit up in the glow of the lamps.

Some messages are somewhat longer and more direct. They say that true wealth is not just gold and silver, and that good health, peace of mind and a loving family are the greatest riches in life. For those in business, there is a message that this holy day bring great progress in your business and your life.

The messages generally end with warm wishes for Dhanatrayodashi and Deepavali. They can be sent to family, friends and acquaintances.