The festival of Diwali, the grandest celebration in India, begins with Dhanteras, a day that blends devotion, prosperity, and health. Dhanteras marks the official start of the five-day Diwali festivities and holds a special place in Hindu culture. It is the day when families clean their homes, light lamps, buy new items, and perform rituals to invite wealth and well-being into their lives.
In 2025, Dhanteras falls on Saturday, October 18. The day is not just about buying gold or silver — it symbolizes the start of a new chapter of abundance, good health, and positive energy.
Let’s explore everything you need to know about Dhanteras 2025 — from its history and significance to the exact puja muhurat, rituals, and modern ways to celebrate it.
What is Dhanteras?
The word Dhanteras is made up of two Sanskrit words — “Dhan” meaning wealth and “Teras” meaning the thirteenth day. It is observed on the thirteenth lunar day (Trayodashi) of Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Kartik.
This day is also known as Dhantrayodashi, as it is believed that on this tithi, Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician, appeared during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) holding a pot of nectar that could cure all diseases. Since then, Dhanteras has been considered an auspicious occasion to pray for both wealth and health.
Dhanteras 2025 Date and Muhurat
- Dhanteras Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
- Tithi Begins: Morning of October 18
- Tithi Ends: Late night of October 18
- Lakshmi Puja Muhurat (approx.): Between 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM (timing may slightly vary by city)
During this period, devotees perform Lakshmi, Kubera, and Dhanvantari puja to attract prosperity and positive energy into their homes.
The Significance of Dhanteras
Dhanteras is not only about wealth but also about gratitude, renewal, and health. Every ritual performed on this day carries deep spiritual meaning:
1. Worship of Lord Dhanvantari – The Healer
Lord Dhanvantari is regarded as the God of Ayurveda and the divine physician. Worshipping him on Dhanteras brings good health and protection from diseases. This aspect of Dhanteras reminds us that health is the greatest wealth.
2. Worship of Goddess Lakshmi – The Symbol of Prosperity
Goddess Lakshmi is the center of Dhanteras puja. Devotees pray for prosperity, harmony, and abundance in life. Lighting diyas and decorating the house signify the arrival of positive energy.
3. Worship of Lord Kubera – The Guardian of Wealth
Lord Kubera, the treasurer of the gods, is also worshipped on this day to ensure financial stability and secure wealth in the coming year.
4. Lighting the Yama Deepa
In many households, a small lamp called Yama Deepa is lit outside the home in the evening. This is believed to protect the family from premature death and bring blessings of longevity.
The Story Behind Dhanteras
There are several fascinating legends behind Dhanteras. The most popular one involves King Hima’s son:
Once upon a time, it was predicted that the young prince would die on the fourth day of his marriage due to a snake bite. When that day approached, his clever wife decided to keep her husband awake the whole night. She piled up all her ornaments and gold coins at the entrance and lit numerous diyas around them. Then, she sat near her husband and sang songs to keep him awake.
When Lord Yama, the god of death, came in the form of a serpent, the dazzling light of the gold and diyas blinded him. Instead of entering the prince’s chamber, Yama quietly left. From that day onwards, it became a tradition to light lamps and buy gold or silver on Dhanteras to ward off misfortune and invite prosperity.
Preparations for Dhanteras
The preparations for Dhanteras start early in the day and continue until the evening puja. Here’s how you can get ready for the festival:
1. Cleaning and Decorating the House
A clean home is believed to attract Goddess Lakshmi. People sweep, mop, and declutter every corner of the house. After cleaning, the entrance and puja area are decorated with rangoli, fresh flowers, and diyas.
2. Drawing the Lakshmi Footprints
Tiny footprints made with rice flour or vermilion are drawn at the main entrance to symbolize Goddess Lakshmi’s arrival into the home.
3. Shopping for New Items
Buying gold, silver, or utensils on Dhanteras is considered highly auspicious. If you can’t afford precious metals, even purchasing a small steel utensil or something useful for the home is symbolic of inviting prosperity.
4. Setting Up the Puja Area
Place idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kubera, and Lord Dhanvantari on a clean platform. Keep new coins, sweets, flowers, incense, and diyas ready for the evening rituals.
What to Buy on Dhanteras 2025
Buying something new on Dhanteras is an age-old custom that symbolizes the welcoming of wealth and good luck. However, this tradition has evolved over time.
Traditional Purchases
- Gold or Silver: Coins, jewelry, or utensils made of gold or silver are the most preferred purchases.
- Utensils: Steel, brass, or copper items are commonly bought for kitchen use.
- Lakshmi Coins: Silver coins with Goddess Lakshmi’s image are believed to bring good fortune.
Modern and Practical Purchases
- Electronics or Gadgets: Many families now buy electronic appliances, as they are seen as modern assets.
- Home Essentials: Furniture, home décor, or small tools that improve comfort and productivity.
- Investment Products: Mutual funds, digital gold, or savings instruments that grow over time.
- Health Equipment: Fitness trackers, BP monitors, or medical insurance plans — symbolic of Dhanvantari’s blessing for good health.
Things to Avoid on Dhanteras
- Avoid borrowing money or lending large sums on Dhanteras.
- Don’t buy black items such as leather shoes or dark clothes, as they are considered inauspicious.
- Do not keep your house dark — light diyas in every room.
- Avoid using harsh words or arguments — the day should remain peaceful and joyful.
Dhanteras and the Five Days of Diwali
Dhanteras marks the first day of Diwali. Here’s how the rest of the festival unfolds:
- Day 1 – Dhanteras: Worship of health and wealth.
- Day 2 – Naraka Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali): Cleansing and removal of negativity.
- Day 3 – Diwali: Main Lakshmi Puja and celebration of light over darkness.
- Day 4 – Govardhan Puja: Offering gratitude to nature and Lord Krishna.
- Day 5 – Bhai Dooj: Celebration of sibling love and protection.
Eco-Friendly Dhanteras Ideas
Modern celebrations can be both traditional and environmentally responsible. Here are a few ideas:
- Use earthen diyas instead of wax candles — they are biodegradable and support local artisans.
- Avoid plastic decorations and go for cloth or paper-based decor.
- Buy local products to support small businesses.
- Donate old items — clothes, utensils, or furniture — to those in need before buying new ones.
- Invest in green gifts like indoor plants that purify the air and symbolize prosperity.
Dhanteras for Good Health and Prosperity
While the festival is popularly associated with wealth, Dhanteras is also a day for health awareness. Since it honors Lord Dhanvantari, people are reminded to care for their physical and mental well-being.
You can:
- Begin a new health routine or diet plan on this day.
- Schedule your yearly health check-up.
- Start practicing yoga or meditation.
- Donate to hospitals or medical charities in Lord Dhanvantari’s name.
Regional Celebrations Across India
North India
Homes and markets in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Rajasthan glow with lights. Families buy gold coins, clean houses, and decorate doorways with torans and rangoli.
Western India
In Maharashtra and Gujarat, Dhanteras is considered an auspicious day for new business ventures. Traders open new account books (Chopda Pujan) and seek blessings for financial success.
South India
In Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Dhanteras is linked to Ayurveda and Dhanvantari. People perform rituals for good health and longevity.
Eastern India
In Bengal and Odisha, homes are decorated with lamps, and people prepare sweets and offerings for Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera.
Dhanteras Shopping Tips for 2025
- Set a budget before going shopping to avoid impulsive spending.
- Buy hallmarked gold or silver for authenticity.
- Compare prices at multiple stores before making big purchases.
- Consider online shopping with trusted retailers to avoid market rush.
- Support local artisans by purchasing handmade diyas, jewelry, or crafts.
Post-Puja Practices
After the puja:
- Keep a small portion of the prasadam near the cash box or locker.
- Place one diya in the kitchen to bring continuous abundance.
- Share sweets with neighbors and relatives as a token of goodwill.
- Avoid sweeping the floor right after the puja — it’s believed to drive away Lakshmi.
Why Dhanteras Is More Relevant Than Ever
In a fast-paced world where material success often overshadows health and inner peace, Dhanteras reminds us of a balanced life. It teaches that wealth must go hand-in-hand with wellness, gratitude, and ethical living.
Celebrating Dhanteras in 2025 can be an opportunity to:
- Reset your finances,
- Reconnect with family traditions,
- Practice sustainability,
- And begin the Diwali season with clarity and positivity.
Quick Summary
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival Name | Dhanteras (Dhantrayodashi) |
| Date (2025) | Saturday, October 18 |
| Main Deities | Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera, Lord Dhanvantari |
| Significance | Health, wealth, and prosperity |
| Puja Muhurat | Evening, approx. 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM |
| Main Traditions | Buying gold/silver, lighting diyas, Lakshmi Puja |
| Auspicious Acts | Cleaning home, drawing rangoli, offering sweets |
| Avoid | Lending money, using harsh words, buying black items |
Conclusion
Dhanteras 2025 is not just the beginning of Diwali — it’s a celebration of new beginnings, gratitude, and mindful prosperity. Whether you buy gold, light diyas, or simply offer heartfelt prayers, remember that true wealth lies in good health, harmony, and generosity.
As diyas illuminate your home this Dhanteras, may your heart be filled with light, your home with joy, and your life with success and serenity.
Happy Dhanteras 2025!