The festival of Dhanteras falls in the month of Kartik (Oct-Nov) on the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight. This auspicious day is celebrated two days before the festival of lights, Diwali.
How to Celebrate:
Dhanteras is spent in worshipping Lord Yama \96 the god of death \96 to provide prosperity and well being. It is also the day for celebrating wealth, as the word \91Dhan\92 literally means wealth and \91Tera\92 comes from the date 13th. People flock to the jewelers and buy gold or silver jewelry or utensils to venerate the occasion of Dhanteras.
Legend behind the Festival:
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.
When Yama, the god of Death, arrived at the prince\92s doorstep in the guise of a Serpent, his eyes were dazzled and blinded by the brilliance of the lamps and the jewelry. Yam could not enter the Prince's chamber, so he climbed on top of the heap of gold coins and sat there the entire night listening to the stories and songs. In the morning, he silently went away.
Thus, the young prince was saved from the clutches of death by the cleverness of his new bride, and the day came to be celebrated as Dhanteras. It is also know as \91Yamadeepdaan\92 as the ladies of the house light earthen lamps or \91deep\92 and these are kept burning throughout the night glorifying Yama, the god of Death.
The Myth of Dhanavantri:
Another legend says, in the cosmic battle between the gods and the demons when both churned the ocean for \91amrit\92 or divine nectar, Dhanavantri \96 the physician of the gods and an incarnation of Vishnu \96 emerged carrying a pot of the elixir. So, according to this mythological tale, the word Dhanteras comes from the name Dhanavantri, the divine doctor. 
Dhanteras the auspicious day to mark the beginning of diwali celebrations. Have you decided what you want to buy on this day. It is said that it is very auspicious to buy any kind of metal object on this day, especially gold and silver. Dhanteras, being a festival of wealth, also means inaugurations and new purchases of expensive possessions. Many people set up their businesses, hold housewarming, launch new projects, set wedding dates, buy vehicles on this auspicious day. Dhanteras, the first day of diwali celebrations, marks one of biggest shopping days of the year as gold and silver articles such as coins, jewelery and other precious metals including new utensils are purchased by every Hindu household. It is believed that new \93Dhan\94 or some form of precious metal is a sign of good luck. So its time to make up your mind soon. Presenting before you some ideas on what you can buy on this day. 
Gold and Silver Coins: This is one of the most common object that you can buy on Dhanteras. The trinity coin hamper comprising three coins with Laksmi, Ganesh and Om symbol inscribed on them is a good option. The price varies depending on the karat size. 
Jewelry: Dhan Teras is one of the best times that you can purchase gold jewelry not only for yourself but also for your loved ones! It is a tradition followed by all. No doubt the price is very high during this time but for those who can afford it, it is the best time for buying trendy or ethnic jewelry. It is an investment for lifetime. There is an interesting legend associated with buying gold jewelry on this day. 
Utensils: You can also buy new utensils on dhanteras. On Dhanteras, new kitchen utensils are bought and kept at the place of worship. It is believed that a new utensil bought home on this day brings in prosperity. The buying of utensils, according to one legend, relates to the myth of Dhanvantari emerging from the ocean with a pot in his hand. Dhanteras is celebrated in honor of Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods. He is believed to have emerged with a pot of amrita during the samudra manthan. 
God\92s Idols and Statues: On Dhanteras, you can also buy Lakshmi and Ganesha\92s metal statues. The artistically carved statues made of bronze, copper, silver, brass etc. are beautiful gift items that can be presented on Diwali. 
Pooja Thali and Diyas: To worship Ma Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, you can also opt for beautifully decorated pooja thalis and diyas on dhanteras. It is said that you should buy metal objects on dhanteras. Not necessarily that you have to buy expensive stuff. Its your devotion that counts. Just buy a brass diya and offer your prayers to Ma Lakshmi. A pooja thali with all puja ingredients can be used for puja purpose.

The festival of Dhanteras falls in the month of Kartik (Oct-Nov) on the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight. This auspicious day is celebrated two days before the festival of lights, Diwali.
How to Celebrate:
Dhanteras is spent in worshipping Lord Yama \96 the god of death \96 to provide prosperity and well being. It is also the day for celebrating wealth, as the word \91Dhan\92 literally means wealth and \91Tera\92 comes from the date 13th. People flock to the jewelers and buy gold or silver jewelry or utensils to venerate the occasion of Dhanteras.
Legend behind the Festival:
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.
When Yama, the god of Death, arrived at the prince\92s doorstep in the guise of a Serpent, his eyes were dazzled and blinded by the brilliance of the lamps and the jewelry. Yam could not enter the Prince's chamber, so he climbed on top of the heap of gold coins and sat there the entire night listening to the stories and songs. In the morning, he silently went away.
Thus, the young prince was saved from the clutches of death by the cleverness of his new bride, and the day came to be celebrated as Dhanteras. It is also know as \91Yamadeepdaan\92 as the ladies of the house light earthen lamps or \91deep\92 and these are kept burning throughout the night glorifying Yama, the god of Death.
The Myth of Dhanavantri:
Another legend says, in the cosmic battle between the gods and the demons when both churned the ocean for \91amrit\92 or divine nectar, Dhanavantri \96 the physician of the gods and an incarnation of Vishnu \96 emerged carrying a pot of the elixir. So, according to this mythological tale, the word Dhanteras comes from the name Dhanavantri, the divine doctor. 
Dhanteras the auspicious day to mark the beginning of diwali celebrations. Have you decided what you want to buy on this day. It is said that it is very auspicious to buy any kind of metal object on this day, especially gold and silver. Dhanteras, being a festival of wealth, also means inaugurations and new purchases of expensive possessions. Many people set up their businesses, hold housewarming, launch new projects, set wedding dates, buy vehicles on this auspicious day. Dhanteras, the first day of diwali celebrations, marks one of biggest shopping days of the year as gold and silver articles such as coins, jewelery and other precious metals including new utensils are purchased by every Hindu household. It is believed that new \93Dhan\94 or some form of precious metal is a sign of good luck. So its time to make up your mind soon. Presenting before you some ideas on what you can buy on this day. 
Gold and Silver Coins: This is one of the most common object that you can buy on Dhanteras. The trinity coin hamper comprising three coins with Laksmi, Ganesh and Om symbol inscribed on them is a good option. The price varies depending on the karat size. 
Jewelry: Dhan Teras is one of the best times that you can purchase gold jewelry not only for yourself but also for your loved ones! It is a tradition followed by all. No doubt the price is very high during this time but for those who can afford it, it is the best time for buying trendy or ethnic jewelry. It is an investment for lifetime. There is an interesting legend associated with buying gold jewelry on this day. 
Utensils: You can also buy new utensils on dhanteras. On Dhanteras, new kitchen utensils are bought and kept at the place of worship. It is believed that a new utensil bought home on this day brings in prosperity. The buying of utensils, according to one legend, relates to the myth of Dhanvantari emerging from the ocean with a pot in his hand. Dhanteras is celebrated in honor of Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods. He is believed to have emerged with a pot of amrita during the samudra manthan. 
God\92s Idols and Statues: On Dhanteras, you can also buy Lakshmi and Ganesha\92s metal statues. The artistically carved statues made of bronze, copper, silver, brass etc. are beautiful gift items that can be presented on Diwali. 
Pooja Thali and Diyas: To worship Ma Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, you can also opt for beautifully decorated pooja thalis and diyas on dhanteras. It is said that you should buy metal objects on dhanteras. Not necessarily that you have to buy expensive stuff. Its your devotion that counts. Just buy a brass diya and offer your prayers to Ma Lakshmi. A pooja thali with all puja ingredients can be used for puja purpose.