Dhanteras 2025: Date, History, Significance, Puja Vidhi & Celebration

Introduction

Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, marks the beginning of the grand Diwali festival in India. The festival is deeply rooted in devotion, prosperity, and tradition. The word Dhanteras is derived from two Sanskrit terms—Dhan meaning wealth and Teras meaning the thirteenth day of the lunar fortnight. It is celebrated on the thirteenth day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik (according to the Hindu lunar calendar).

In 2025, Dhanteras will be celebrated on Saturday, 18 October. This day is considered highly auspicious for purchasing gold, silver, utensils, and new items, as they are believed to bring prosperity, health, and good fortune. Apart from wealth, Dhanteras is also a day to worship Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician, and Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.

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History and Legends of Dhanteras

The festival of Dhanteras is associated with various mythological stories and legends, which enhance its spiritual and cultural significance.

1. The Churning of the Ocean (Samudra Manthan)

One of the most popular legends connected to Dhanteras is from the Samudra Manthan, the cosmic churning of the ocean. On this day, Lord Dhanvantari, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the physician of the gods, emerged from the ocean with a pot of Amrit (nectar of immortality) and the sacred Ayurveda scriptures. Since then, Dhanteras is observed in honor of Lord Dhanvantari, and many devotees worship him for good health and longevity.

2. The Story of King Hima’s Son

According to another legend, King Hima’s sixteen-year-old son was destined to die of a snake bite on the fourth day of his marriage. To save his life, his wife placed all her ornaments and gold coins at the entrance of the room and lit lamps all around. When Yama, the god of death, came disguised as a serpent, the dazzling brilliance of the gold and lamps blinded him, preventing him from entering the chamber. Instead, he listened to the melodious songs and stories sung by the prince’s wife throughout the night. Thus, the young prince was saved, and since then, lighting lamps and purchasing precious items on Dhanteras became an auspicious tradition.

3. Goddess Lakshmi’s Blessings

It is also believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits every household on Dhanteras. Families welcome her by decorating their homes with rangolis, lamps, and auspicious symbols of prosperity. This is why people perform Lakshmi Puja on Dhanteras with great devotion.

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Significance of Dhanteras

Dhanteras holds immense spiritual and cultural importance in Hindu households.

• Symbol of Prosperity: Purchasing gold, silver, or new utensils is believed to bring wealth and abundance into the home.

• Health and Well-being: Worshipping Lord Dhanvantari ensures good health, long life, and protection from diseases.

• Victory of Light over Darkness: Lighting diyas on this day signifies the removal of negativity, poverty, and obstacles.

• Beginning of Diwali: Dhanteras marks the start of the five-day Diwali celebrations, followed by Naraka Chaturdashi, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj.

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Dhanteras 2025 Date and Puja Muhurat

• Dhanteras 2025 Date: Saturday, 18 October 2025

• Dhanteras Puja Muhurat: 18 October 2025 from 07:48 PM to 08:30 PM

(Note: Muhurat timings may vary as per location; devotees should check local Panchang for accuracy.)

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Rituals and Puja Vidhi

1. Cleaning and Decoration

• Homes are cleaned thoroughly and decorated with rangoli, flowers, and lights.

• Entrances are adorned with footprints of Goddess Lakshmi, symbolizing her arrival.

2. Buying Gold, Silver, or Utensils

• It is considered very auspicious to buy precious metals, jewelry, or utensils on this day.

• Even if not gold, people purchase small silver coins, copper vessels, or steel utensils.

3. Dhanteras Puja (Lakshmi & Kubera Puja)

• Devotees worship Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera (the god of wealth), and Lord Yama.

• Lamps are lit in the evening, and offerings of sweets, flowers, and incense are made.

• Special Lakshmi Puja is performed during the Pradosh Kaal (evening time after sunset).

4. Lighting of Lamps (Deep Daan)

• Diyas are placed at the entrance and corners of the house to ward off negative energies.

• A special lamp dedicated to Lord Yama, called Yamadeep, is lit at night outside the house to protect family members from untimely death.

5. Chanting of Mantras

Devotees chant special mantras and prayers like:

• “Om Dhanvantari Namah” for health and longevity.

• “Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah” for wealth and prosperity.

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Celebrations Across India

Dhanteras is celebrated with unique traditions in different parts of India:

• North India: People decorate homes with diyas, buy gold, and perform Lakshmi Puja with grandeur.

• Maharashtra: Families perform a special Yamadeepdaan ritual for protection.

• South India: Devotees worship Lord Dhanvantari and perform Ayurveda-related rituals.

• Gujarat: Dhanteras is also celebrated as the first day of the financial year, making it especially significant for traders and businessmen.

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Modern-Day Importance of Dhanteras

In today’s world, the celebration of Dhanteras is not just limited to buying gold and silver. It has evolved to include:

• Electronics, appliances, and vehicles as new-age auspicious purchases.

• Eco-friendly celebrations with clay diyas and natural rangolis.

• Health awareness as devotees worship Lord Dhanvantari, inspiring people to focus on Ayurveda, fitness, and holistic living.

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How to Celebrate Dhanteras at Home

1. Start the day with a clean and positive environment.

2. Buy something new, according to your capacity. Even a small utensil or silver coin is auspicious.

3. Light diyas in the evening and offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera.

4. Perform Yamadeepdaan by lighting a lamp outside the main entrance.

5. Share sweets, gifts, and love with family, friends, and neighbors.

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Conclusion

Dhanteras is not just about buying gold or wealth—it is about inviting prosperity, good health, and positive energy into our lives. It reminds us that material wealth is important, but true prosperity also lies in health, happiness, and togetherness.

As we celebrate Dhanteras 2025 on October 18, let us illuminate our homes with diyas and our hearts with gratitude, devotion, and joy.