Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, marks the auspicious beginning of the five-day Diwali festival. It is a day dedicated to celebrating wealth, health, and prosperity by worshipping Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician, alongside Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber. From lighting the sacred Yama Deepam to making auspicious purchases, this day sets a joyous and divine tone for the festivities to come.
Dhanteras 2025: Date and Timings
In Sanskrit, ‘Dhan’ means wealth, and ‘Teras’ means the thirteenth day of the lunar fortnight. Dhanteras falls on the Trayodashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. People celebrate by buying gold, silver, utensils, or other new items, as it is believed to invite prosperity and good fortune.
Dhanteras Puja Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Dhanteras Puja Muhurat: 7:15 PM – 8:19 PM
Duration: 1 hour 4 minutes
Yama Deepam: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Pradosh Kaal: 5:48 PM – 8:19 PM
Vrishabha Kaal: 7:15 PM – 9:11 PM
Trayodashi Tithi Begins: 12:18 PM, October 18, 2025
Trayodashi Tithi Ends: 1:51 PM, October 19, 2025
On this day, devotees pray for wealth, well-being, and protection from illnesses. Buying something new, be it precious metals, kitchenware, or even a broom, is considered lucky, as it symbolizes welcoming Goddess Lakshmi into one’s home.
Legends and Significance
There are two well-known legends associated with Dhanteras.
According to one story from the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the ocean carrying a pot of Amrit (nectar of immortality) and medicinal herbs. This is why the day is also celebrated as National Ayurveda Day in India, highlighting the value of health and healing.
Another popular tale is about the 16-year-old son of King Hima. An astrologer predicted he would die of a snake bite on the fourth day after his wedding. To save him, his wife kept him awake all night, surrounded their room with gold and silver, and lit many lamps. When Lord Yama (the god of death) came in the form of a snake, the light and brilliance blinded him, and he left without harming the prince. Since then, buying gold and lighting lamps on Dhanteras has been seen as a way to ward off evil.
Rituals and Celebrations
The day begins with cleaning and decorating homes, as it is believed Goddess Lakshmi visits only clean and welcoming places. Beautiful rangolis are made at the entrance using colours or flowers. In the evening, people perform Lakshmi Puja along with prayers to Lord Ganesha, Lord Kuber, and Lord Dhanvantari.
A special Yama Deepam is lit near the Tulsi plant or at the entrance to keep away negative energies. Diyas are placed at doors and windows to guide Goddess Lakshmi into the home. Devotees offer sweets, flowers, fruits, and recite Dhanteras Katha.
Shopping is a big part of the day, families buy jewellery, coins, utensils, or even household items, believing it will bring them luck throughout the year.
What to Buy on Dhanteras for Good Fortune
Shopping is a key ritual on Dhanteras. Here is a list of auspicious items to bring home to attract prosperity:
Gold or Silver: Investing in gold or silver coins, jewelry, or bars is considered the most auspicious purchase, symbolizing the entry of permanent wealth.
Brass, Copper, or Silver Utensils: Buying new metal utensils for the kitchen is a long-standing tradition. It is recommended to fill them with water or food before bringing them inside the house.
A Broom (Jhadu): A new broom is bought to symbolize sweeping away poverty and negative energy, cleansing the home for Goddess Lakshmi's arrival.
Coriander Seeds (Dhaniya): These are considered a symbol of wealth and are purchased to be offered during the Diwali puja.
Electronic Items: In modern times, buying new appliances or gadgets is also considered auspicious as they represent a new form of wealth and comfort.
Gomti Chakra: These rare sea shells are believed to bring good luck and protect children from the evil eye.
What to Avoid Buying on Dhanteras to Prevent Bad Luck
While shopping for prosperity is key, tradition also advises against purchasing certain items on this auspicious day:
Iron or Steel: These metals are associated with Saturn (Shani), and buying them on Dhanteras is considered inauspicious by some. Opt for brass or copper instead.
Sharp Objects: Avoid buying knives, scissors, or any sharp-edged tools.
Empty Vessels: If you buy a new utensil, do not bring it into the house empty. Fill it with water, rice, or some sweets first.
Items in Black Color: Black is often considered a color of misfortune and is best avoided for auspicious purchases on this day.
How to Light the Yama Deepam
The Yama Deepam is a unique ritual performed only on Dhanteras to ward off untimely death in the family. It is lit in the evening, facing south.
Use an Old Diya: Take an old earthen lamp (diya). A new one should not be used for this purpose.
Fill with Mustard Oil: Fill the diya with mustard oil and place a cotton wick inside it.
Light it After Sunset: After sunset, light the lamp and place it outside your home's main entrance, on the right side, facing the southern direction.
Offer a Prayer: Offer a prayer to Lord Yama for the longevity and well-being of all family members.
A Joyful Start to Diwali
Dhanteras marks the beginning of the grand Diwali celebrations. It is a day to wish for wealth, health, and happiness, and to spend time with family. As homes light up with diyas this October 18, let this Dhanteras be a reminder to welcome both prosperity and positivity into our lives.
Happy Dhanteras!
