Dhanteras 2025, also known as Dhanatrayodashi or Dhanvantari Trayodashi, marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival and will be celebrated on Saturday, 18th October 2025. Rooted in tradition and prosperity, the festival falls on the 13th day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik, according to the Hindu calendar. The name Dhanteras comes from “Dhan” (meaning wealth) and “Teras” (meaning the 13th day), and it is believed that buying new items on this day invites good luck, prosperity, and health into one’s life. Devotees worship Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda, and Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, by lighting diyas, decorating homes with colorful rangolis, and performing special pujas in the evening.
Celebrations on Dhanteras 2025 will see people purchasing gold, silver, utensils, electronics, and even vehicles, as these are considered auspicious investments. The tradition of deep cleaning and decorating homes, lighting earthen lamps, and preparing sweets adds to the festive spirit. Many also observe this day by embracing wellness rituals and Ayurvedic practices in honor of Lord Dhanvantari. With rising interest in digital investments and health-focused living, Dhanteras continues to evolve while retaining its deep cultural significance. Whether for spiritual blessings or financial prosperity, Dhanteras 2025 will be celebrated with enthusiasm across India, ushering in positivity and abundance ahead of Diwali.
Historical Significance of Dhanteras
There are three main stories associated with Dhanteras, each adding a unique layer of meaning to the festival:
- Worship of Lord Dhanvantari: According to Hindu mythology, Lord Dhanvantari, the God of Medicine and Ayurveda, emerged from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) holding a pot of Amrit (nectar of immortality) in one hand and a book of Ayurveda in the other. This is why many associate Dhanteras with health and well-being. The health ministries in India, such as Naturopathy, Homeopathy, Siddha, Unani, Yoga, and Ayurveda, also celebrate this day as National Ayurveda Day in honour of Lord Dhanvantari.
- Goddess Lakshmi’s Arrival: Another legend states that Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean during Samudra Manthan, symbolising wealth and prosperity. People light diyas, make rangolis, and place footprints of Goddess Lakshmi made from vermilion and rice flour at the entrance to attract her blessings.
- Lord Yama and Yamadeepdaan: The third story revolves around a young prince who was saved from a predicted snakebite by the bright lights of diyas and metals that his wife had arranged around their home. Since then, Dhanteras has also become known as Yamadeepdaan, where lamps are lit to honour Lord Yama, the God of Death, and to ward off evil and negative energies.
Rituals and Traditions of Dhanteras
During Dhanteras Puja, people perform various rituals to honour Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari. Houses are thoroughly cleaned to welcome the Goddess, and diyas are placed outside every door, except in restrooms, to create a path for her to enter. In the evening, families gather to recite the Dhanteras Katha (story) light diyas and offer sweets and Naivedya as Prashad (offering) to the Goddess.
One of the most well-known Dhanteras rituals is drawing small footprints at the entrance to symbolise the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi. Additionally, people worship their Tulsi plant to attract good fortune and positive energy.
Dhanteras Special Prashad and Dishes
Naivedya is a popular dish offered to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu. It is mentioned in many sacred texts and is prepared using jaggery and dry coriander seeds. Apart from Naivedya, whole wheat halwa (Aate ka halwa) is also made for Goddess Lakshmi in many parts of North India.
Panchamrit is another Prashad prepared for Dhanteras Puja. This chilled beverage consists of five elements: milk, sugar, honey, curd, and ghee.
Dhanteras 2025 Puja Timing
Dhanteras in 2025 will be celebrated on Saturday, 18th October. The most auspicious time to perform Dhanteras Puja falls during the Pradosh Kaal, when both the Trayodashi Tithi and Vrishabha Kaal are in effect.
- Puja Muhurat: 7:16 PM to 8:20 PM (Duration: 1 hour 4 minutes)
- Pradosh Kaal: 6:11 PM to 8:41 PM
- Vrishabha Kaal: 7:44 PM to 9:42 PM
- Trayodashi Tithi begins: 12:18 PM on 18 October 2025
- Trayodashi Tithi ends: 1:51 PM on 19 October 2025
Interesting Facts About Dhanteras
- Shopping For New Metals and Vehicles—Many people associate the festival with Goddess Lakshmi and indulge in shopping for new vehicles and metals on this day. But health ministries like Naturopathy, Homeopathy, Siddha, Unani, Yoga, and Ayurveda celebrate the day as National Ayurveda Day in honour of Dhanvantari, the God of Ayurveda and medicine.
- Buying Silver or Gold Coins -There is a custom of purchasing silver coins with the image of Goddess Lakshmi on them. People believe that buying and worshipping this silver coin multiplies wealth and happiness in the home. Many people also gift these silver Lakshmi coins to their friends and family, wishing them luck and happiness on Diwali.
- Buying Broomsticks - People also buy broomsticks and worship them on the day of Dhanteras. According to Hindu beliefs, a broomstick helps us get rid of negativity, clutter, and bad fortune, so it’s eligible to be worshipped like gods.
Conclusion
Dhanteras is more than just a festival of wealth; it’s a celebration of health, happiness, and family. Whether it’s buying a new piece of jewellery, worshipping the Tulsi plant, or preparing delicious offerings, each tradition has its own significance. By following these customs and performing Dhanteras rituals, people hope to attract Goddess Lakshmi's blessings and Lord Dhanvantari's blessings. So, on Dhanteras 2025, get ready to celebrate with joy, new purchases, and prayers for a prosperous and healthy year ahead.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dhanteras
Q1. What is Dhanteras and why is it celebrated?
A1. Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, marks the first day of the five-day Diwali festival. It is celebrated to honor Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda, who emerged from the ocean with the nectar of immortality. The word ‘Dhanteras’ is derived from ‘Dhan’ (wealth) and ‘Teras’ (13th lunar day). On this day, people worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari to seek blessings for health, wealth, and prosperity.
Q2. When is Dhanteras 2025 and what is the best time for puja?
A2. Dhanteras in 2025 falls on Saturday, 18 October. The most auspicious time for Dhanteras Puja is between 7:16 PM and 8:20 PM, during Pradosh Kaal, which is considered ideal for performing Lakshmi Puja and lighting diyas to welcome prosperity.
Q3. What should we buy on Dhanteras for good luck?
A3. On Dhanteras, it is considered highly auspicious to buy gold, silver, brass utensils, kitchen appliances, and even vehicles. Many people also purchase investment options like digital gold or mutual funds. Buying these items is believed to attract wealth and good fortune into the household.
Q4. What are the main rituals performed on Dhanteras?
A4. The main rituals of Dhanteras include cleaning the home, decorating with rangoli and diyas, buying new items, and performing Lakshmi and Dhanvantari Puja. Devotees offer flowers, sweets, incense, and light oil lamps in the evening to invoke blessings for health and financial stability.
Q5. Is Dhanteras related to Ayurveda or health in any way?
A5. Dhanteras is closely associated with Ayurveda and health. The day is dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, who is considered the god of medicine and Ayurveda. As a result, many people focus on health rituals, Ayurvedic purchases, and wellness practices on Dhanteras to promote long-term well-being and vitality.
