As the cool autumn breeze sets in and the festive season begins, India gears up to celebrate one of the most awaited festivals - Dhanteras. This festival marks the start of Diwali, one of the grandest celebrations in India. Let's dive into what Dhanteras is, why it is celebrated, and how people enjoy this special day with rich traditions and rituals.
Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, is an important Hindu festival celebrated two days before Diwali. It falls on the thirteenth day (Trayodashi) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the Hindu month of Kartik, usually occurring in October or November.
The word "Dhanteras" combines two words:
This day is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Lord Dhanvantari, the divine healer and god of Ayurveda. People celebrate Dhanteras by cleaning their homes, buying gold, silver, or utensils, and performing special prayers for prosperity and good health.
In 2025, Dhanteras will be celebrated on October 19. It occurs two days before Diwali, making it an important start to the festival of lights.
| Festival | Date in 2025 |
| Dhanteras | October 19, 2025 |
| Diwali | October 21, 2025 |
The origin of Dhanteras is linked to Hindu mythology and has two famous stories:
According to Hindu mythology, during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean), the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) churned the ocean to obtain amrita (the nectar of immortality). During this process, many divine treasures emerged, one of which was Lord Dhanvantari, holding a pot of amrita in his hands.
Since this event took place on the day of Dhanteras, the day is dedicated to worshiping Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda, for good health and well-being.
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Another legend tells the tale of Prince Hima, who was predicted to die from a snakebite on the fourth day of his marriage. To save him, his wife kept gold, silver, and jewelry at the doorstep and lit numerous oil lamps around their home. When Yama, the god of death, arrived in the form of a serpent, he was blinded by the brilliance of the lights and treasures. Unable to enter the house, Yama quietly returned, sparing Prince Hima's life.
This story is why people light diyas (oil lamps) and buy gold or silver on Dhanteras to bring prosperity and ward off evil.
Dhanteras is significant for several reasons:
| Aspect | Significance |
| Wealth and Prosperity | Buying gold, silver, or utensils is believed to invite wealth. |
| Health and Well-being | Worshiping Lord Dhanvantari for good health is common. |
| Protection from Evil | Lighting diyas is believed to ward off negativity and misfortune. |
| Beginning of Diwali | Dhanteras marks the start of the five-day Diwali festival. |
Dhanteras is rich in customs that symbolize wealth, prosperity, and positivity. Here are the key traditions and rituals:
To celebrate Dhanteras 2025 in the best way possible, follow this step-by-step guide:
| Step | Action |
| 1 | Clean your home thoroughly to remove negativity. |
| 2 | Decorate your home with rangoli and diyas. |
| 3 | Buy gold, silver, or utensils for prosperity. |
| 4 | Perform a traditional Lakshmi Puja in the evening. |
| 5 | Offer sweets, flowers, and incense sticks during the puja. |
| 6 | Light oil lamps around your home to welcome positivity. |
| 7 | Share the festival's joy by exchanging gifts. |
Dhanteras is a festival of wealth, prosperity, and good health that marks the beginning of Diwali. By performing traditional rituals, purchasing valuable items, and sharing joy with family and friends, you can ensure a fulfilling and prosperous celebration.
Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, is a Hindu festival celebrated to honor Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari, marking the beginning of the Diwali festival.
Dhanteras falls on the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in the Hindu month of Kartik, typically in October or November, two days before Diwali.
Dhanteras has its roots in ancient Indian mythology, particularly the Samudra Manthan episode, and the legend of a prince named Hima who escaped death by snakebite through lighting lamps and ornaments.
Dhanteras is significant for seeking blessings for wealth, prosperity, and good health. It involves purchasing valuable items, performing pujas, and invoking the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari.
Dhanteras traditions include cleaning and decorating homes, shopping for new items, performing puja with oil lamps, incense, and prayers, and listening to tales of the festival's significance.
Purchasing gold and silver on Dhanteras is considered auspicious as it is believed to invite wealth and prosperity into one's life. These precious metals symbolize financial stability.
Lighting lamps and creating colorful rangoli designs at the entrance of homes is a way to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, who is associated with light and wealth, and to ward off darkness and negativity.
Yes, on Dhanteras, people often prepare and offer sweet dishes, such as puris, jalebis, and other sweets, as offerings to deities during the evening puja.
Yes, the customs and rituals of Dhanteras may vary across different regions of India, but the core significance of seeking prosperity remains consistent.
No, Dhanteras is not a public holiday in India. It is a religious and cultural festival celebrated by individuals and families.