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Dhanteras is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in India. It marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival and is celebrated with great devotion, joy, and grandeur. Also known as Dhanatrayodashi, Dhanteras falls on the thirteenth lunar day (Trayodashi) of Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashwin, according to the Hindu calendar. In 2025, Dhanteras will be observed on Saturday, 18th October.
This festival holds a special place in Hindu culture as it combines spiritual significance, wealth, health, and prosperity. Dhanteras is dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda and health, and also honors Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.
Significance of Dhanteras
The term “Dhanteras” is derived from two Sanskrit words:
- Dhan – Wealth
- Teras – Thirteenth day
Thus, Dhanteras literally means “the thirteenth day of wealth.”
Spiritual Importance
On this day, devotees worship Lord Dhanvantari, considered the physician of the gods. He is believed to have emerged from the Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean) holding a pot of Amrit (elixir of immortality). People pray to him for good health, longevity, and protection from diseases.
Wealth and Prosperity
Dhanteras is also associated with Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, fortune, and prosperity. Devotees clean and decorate their homes, light lamps, and buy gold, silver, or utensils as a symbol of welcoming wealth into their homes.
Health and Well-being
Besides wealth, Dhanteras emphasizes good health, honoring Lord Dhanvantari. People pray for the well-being of their family members and start new ventures on this day, believing that it brings success, health, and protection from misfortune.
Legends Behind Dhanteras
Several legends explain the significance of Dhanteras:
The Story of King Hima
According to legend, King Hima’s son was predicted to die on his fourth day of life. To protect him, the king lit hundreds of lamps and placed gold and silver coins at the entrance of the palace. When Yama, the god of death, came to claim the child, he was dazzled by the lights and wealth, leaving the child unharmed. Since then, lighting diyas and buying precious metals on Dhanteras became a tradition to ward off evil and bring good fortune.
Lord Dhanvantari and Amrit
Another legend links Dhanteras to Lord Dhanvantari, who appeared from the ocean with Amrit during Samudra Manthan. Worshiping him on this day is believed to bring health, longevity, and well-being.
Goddess Lakshmi’s Blessings
Dhanteras is considered an auspicious day to invite Goddess Lakshmi into homes. Purchasing gold, silver, and utensils symbolizes wealth and prosperity and is believed to attract blessings from the goddess.
How Dhanteras is Celebrated
Dhanteras is celebrated with devotion and enthusiasm across India. Although customs may vary, several common practices are observed:
- Cleaning and Decorating Homes: People thoroughly clean, renovate, and decorate their homes to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. Rangolis, flowers, and lights are used to adorn entrances, symbolizing purity, positivity, and prosperity.
- Buying Precious Metals: Purchasing gold, silver, or new utensils is considered highly auspicious on Dhanteras. Even small silver coins or gold jewelry are believed to bring luck, wealth, and good fortune.
- Lighting Diyas: Lighting diyas (oil lamps) is a key ritual. Lamps are placed near doors and windows to remove darkness and negative energy while inviting prosperity and positive vibes into the home.
- Performing Dhanteras Puja: Families perform Dhanteras Puja in the evening. The rituals generally include:
- Worshiping Lord Dhanvantari for health and longevity.
- Worshiping Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity.
- Offering fruits, sweets, and flowers as part of the puja.
- Chanting prayers and mantras for good fortune and well-being.
- Business Traditions: For traders and business owners, Dhanteras is an auspicious day to start new accounting books (Chopda Puja in some regions) and begin financial ventures, believing it will bring success and growth.
Regional Variations
Dhanteras is celebrated differently across India, but the essence of wealth, health, and prosperity remains the same:
- North India: Focus on buying gold and silver, lighting lamps, and performing Lakshmi Puja.
- Maharashtra: Traders perform Chopda Puja and decorate account books with flowers and lamps.
- South India: People worship Lord Dhanvantari and light lamps.
- West Bengal and Gujarat: Emphasis is on buying precious metals and performing pujas at home.
Despite differences, the spirit of Dhanteras unites all regions in celebrating wealth and health.
Dhanteras 2025 Date and Timing
- Date: Saturday, 18th October 2025
- Trayodashi Tithi Begins: 12:18 PM on 18th October
- Trayodashi Tithi Ends: 1:51 PM on 19th October
- Auspicious Muhurat for Puja: 7:16 PM – 8:20 PM
- Pradosh Kaal: 5:48 PM – 8:20 PM
- Vrishabha Kaal: 7:16 PM – 9:11 PM
The evening hours are considered most auspicious for performing Dhanteras Puja and making purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is Dhanteras?
A1: Dhanteras is the first day of the Diwali festival, celebrated for wealth, prosperity, and good health. It honors Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi.
Q2: Why do people buy gold and silver on Dhanteras?
A2: Buying gold, silver, or utensils on Dhanteras is believed to attract wealth and prosperity into the home.
Q3: What is the significance of lighting diyas?
A3: Diyas symbolize removing darkness and negativity, inviting positive energy, health, and wealth.
Q4: Which deities are worshiped on Dhanteras?
A4: People worship Lord Dhanvantari for health and Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity.
Q5: Is Dhanteras only about wealth?
A5: No, it also emphasizes health, well-being, and protection from misfortune.
Q6: Can non-Hindus celebrate Dhanteras?
A6: Yes, anyone can celebrate by embracing its values of health, prosperity, and positivity.
Conclusion
Dhanteras is not just a festival of wealth and buying gold or silver, but a celebration of health, happiness, and prosperity. It teaches us to value cleanliness, positivity, devotion, and family togetherness.
The festival also reminds us to start new ventures, welcome fortune, and take care of our well-being. By understanding the history, legends, and customs of Dhanteras, we can celebrate it with devotion and joy.
In 2025, Dhanteras falls on 18th October, making it the perfect day to invite wealth, health, and positivity into your life, just before the grand Diwali celebration begins.
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