The auspicious celebration of Dhanteras marks the beginning of Diwali’s spiritual and joyous rhythm as the festival of lights approaches. India celebrates Dhanteras, also called Dhantrayodashi, with considerable fervour since it signals the start of the five-day Diwali holiday.In 2025, this fortunate event will take place on Saturday, October 18, according to Drik Panchang. It is a day to celebrate prosperity, health, and fortune.Date and Timing of Dhanteras 2025
Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, is celebrated during the Hindu month of Kartik on the 13th lunar day (Trayodashi) of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha).The Trayodashi Tithi begins on October 18 at 12:18 pm and ends on October 19 at 01:51 pm. The Pradosh Kaal, which takes place between 05:48 pm to 08:20 pm IST, is the ideal time to perform the Dhanteras puja.The Vrishabha Kaal (Taurus ascendant) from 07:16 pm to 09:11 pm IST is believed to be very favourable for the ceremonies around this time. The traditional Dhanteras puja or Lakshmi puja Muhurat is from 07:16 pm to 08:20 pm IST, according to the Panchang.Dhanteras Puja RitualsOn Dhanteras, devotees worship the goddess of prosperity, Lakshmi; the god of wealth, Kubera; and the deity of health and Ayurveda, Lord Dhanvantari. The puja rituals usually consist of:Home Cleaning and Decorating: To attract good energy, homes are cleaned completely and decorated with diyas (oil lamps), rangolis, and torans (door hangings).Lighting Lamps: A lamp is lit in honour of Yamraj, the deity of death, to prevent premature death and promote longevity.Offering Prayers: Devotees offer prayers to the gods to obtain blessings for prosperity, health, and wealth.Buying New Things: Buying new things is considered fortunate, especially metal articles like gold, silver, or kitchenware, which represent the arrival of wealth and good fortune.Significance of DhanterasDhanteras holds immense significance in Hindu tradition:Health and Longevity: It is believed that worshipping Lord Dhanvantari grants followers longevity and good health.Prosperity and Wealth: It is believed that paying homage to Lord Kubera and Goddess Lakshmi will bring prosperity and wealth into households and businesses.Spiritual Purification: Dhanteras rituals are believed to purify the mind and spirit, readying followers for the spiritual festivities of Diwali.Mythological SignificanceIt is said that Lord Dhanvantari came out with the jug of Amrita (nectar of immortality) after the ocean was roiling during Samudra Manthan’s cosmic act. Dhanteras is, therefore, also related to well-being and recovery. The word ‘Dhanteras’ is derived from ‘Dhan’ (wealth) and ‘Teras’ (thirteenth day).According to a folktale about King Hima, his son was about to die that day, but his visit was postponed because his wife frightened the death deity Yamraj by strategically placing lamps and gold coins at the door. Therefore, on Dhanteras, lighting Yama Deepam (lamps for Yama) also represents the protection of your loved ones.
