Dhanteras, or Dhantrayodashi, is a good and festive occasion that formally initiates the festivity of Diwali celebrations. (Image Source: Pinterest)
Dhanteras, or Dhantrayodashi, is a good and festive occasion that formally initiates the festivity of Diwali celebrations.
Dhanteras this year is on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Though the Trayodashi Tithi (13th day of the lunar cycle) extends to two days, the principal religious observance and Puja Muhurat is on October 18, 2025, from 7:16 PM to 8:20 PM.
The term 'Dhan' actually refers to wealth, and the festival is one through which prosperity and good luck are invited. The primary cause of celebration lies in two important mythological incidents. First, Dhanteras is the day when Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and wealth, came out of the Great Ocean Churning (Samudra Manthan).
Worshipping her on this day is said to guarantee the flow of wealth during the entire year. Secondly, it is also the day Lord Dhanvantari, the god of physicians and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, appeared holding a vessel of Amrita (the elixir of immortality), and so he is the god of Ayurveda and health. Thus, Dhanteras is a twin celebration of both material prosperity and bodily well-being.
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The festival is celebrated prior to Diwali (which is two days later) to mark the cleansing and preparation of the home, mind, and spirit to receive the main festival of lights. The ceremonies begin with a good cleaning of the house in order to purge it of negative energy.
At dusk, the chief gods and goddesses who are worshipped are Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera (treasurer of the gods), and Lord Dhanvantari. The special practice is lighting a lamp, known as Yama Deepam, in the entrance yard outside the main door. It is offered to Yama, the god of death, to protect the family and grant long life, thereby preventing untimely death.
A distinguishing feature of Dhanteras is the practice of purchasing something new, typically gold, silver, or new utensils. It is thought that buying "new Dhan" on this propitious day will increase and yield much prosperity.
For good luck, followers also prefer to wear garments in auspicious colors such as yellow, gold, orange, or red to represent prosperity, heat, and happiness.
One significant practice to keep in mind is not lending or borrowing money on this day because it's believed to drive the Lakshmi (wealth) out of the home. By pleasing the deities of health and prosperity, Dhanteras creates a lively and prosperous atmosphere, the ideal precursor to the grand festivities of Diwali.
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