Vaikunta Ekadasi is an important Hindu festival celebrated by Vaishnavites (Hindus) in India (especially in Tamil Nadu). The festival is celebrated with great significance in almost all Lord Vishnu temples in South India. This year Vaikunta Ekadasi falls on December 17th, 2010.
Dhanteras or Dhanatrayodashi falls on the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Kartik (October-November), i.e. two days before Diwali. The word "Dhan" means wealth. New Dhan or some form of precious metal is bought as a sign of good luck. " Dhanteras is essentially Diwali eve. The celebration of Dhanteras is prevalent in east Bihar and northern India.