There’s something festive in the air even before Diwali arrives – streets begin to glow, sweet shops smell irresistible, and homes buzz with cleaning ‘missions’ and shopping sprees. And right before the big celebration of Diwali comes Dhanteras – the day when material wealth is worshipped and honored. Also known as Dhantrayodashi in many parts of India, it is the opening chapter of Diwali. In 2025, the day will be observed on October 18, Saturday. So here’s team unstumbled giving you all the information you need to know about this day!
Dhanteras 2025: The Festival Of Abundance And Material Wealth
When Is Dhanteras 2025?
You must’ve come across many people asking you: “Dhanteras kab hai?” (When is Dhanteras). This is because Hindu almanacs or panchangs work on the cycles of the moon, stars, and the sun, making it slightly more complicated to decide a fixed date for certain religious festivals or occasions.
However, Dhanteras has been confirmed to fall on Saturday, October 18. The festival’s name, Dhantrayodashi, refers to the day it falls on – the Trayodashi (13th) Tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik.
Dhanteras Muhurat 2025
‘Muhurat’ timings are considered to be especially important in most Hindu festivals as well as social gatherings. These timings are said to be astrologically relevant and following these timings is said to have a positive impact on the celebration or ritual. This is why many Hindu believers consult an astrologer or a priest for the right ‘muhurat’ timings when celebrating festivals or conducting an important social gathering like a wedding.
These are the muhurat timings for Dhanteras 2025 as per Drik Panchang:
Dhanteras puja muhurat: 7:16 PM to 8:20 PM
Pradosh kaal: 5:48 PM to 8:20 PM
Vrishabha kaal: 7:16 PM to 9:11 PM
Trayodashi tithi begins: 12:18 PM on October 18, 2025
Trayodashi tithi ends: 1:51 PM on October 19, 2025
Also Read: Diwali 2025 Date in India: When is Diwali Celebrated & How Many Days Does It Last
The Stories Behind Dhanteras
There are plenty of legends associated with the celebration of Dhanteras, with one of the most popular having its roots in the Samudra Manthan episode of Hindu mythology. Many legends say that different ‘gifts’ emerged from the cosmic ocean when the Devas (Gods) and the Asuras (demon-like creatures).
These gifts consisted of many unique items like the Kalpavriksha (wish fulfilling tree), the moon, as well as the divine jewel, Kaustubha. On the day of Dhantrayodashi, Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, emerged from the Samudra Manthan. This is why, many people buy valuables like gold and jewelry on this day, believing that doing so will bless them with Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings.
Another popular legend involves King Hima’s son, who was predicted to die from a snakebite on the fourth day of his marriage. His clever wife, however, placed all her jewelry, precious stones, and other materials of gold and silver near the door. She lit up countless diyas and kept her husband awake all night by narrating stories and singing songs.
When Lord Yama disguised himself as a snake to fulfill the prophecy of King Hima’s son’s death, he was so blinded by the glow of the diyas and the jewelry that he quietly left without taking away the prince’s life. People believe that lighting lamps and buying precious metals and jewelry on this day will bring prosperity, good fortune, and abundance in their life.
Preparing For The Dhanteras Pooja
By the time Dhanteras arrives, homes across India are already decked up in bright decorations. Most families thoroughly clean their homes, adorn doors and windows with lighting and garlands, and replace broken or unused items in their homes. Walls and ceilings are adorned with garlands and floral decorations and the fragrance of fresh flowers wafts through the air during Diwali days.
As the sun sets, families set up their pooja space (place where the family worships) with idols or pictures of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Kuber – and sometimes even Lord Dhanvantari, the God of medicine.
They also keep a kalash (metal pot) filled with water, mango leaves, and a coconut placed upright. Families also place earthen lamps in places like window sills, entryways, and courtyards, and balconies. Both the diyas and the kalash are considered to be symbols of positivity and spiritual purity.
The actual pooja of Dhanteras 2025 is surprisingly quite simple yet deeply spiritual. People chant mantras invoking Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha and offer flowers, sweets, and coins. They perform aarti to pay respects to the gods and exchange gifts and sweets.
Also Read: Festive Feasts: 5 Must-Try Diwali Brunches In Mumbai
The Joy And Significance Of Dhanteras Shopping
Diwali is incomplete without some shopping, and most of it happens during Dhanteras! Purchasing new items on this day is considered especially auspicious, because shopping on this day is not just about spending, it’s about investing.
Traditionally, people buy gold or silver coins embossed with images of Goddess Lakshmi or Lord Ganesha. However, in modern times, people also buy brass lamps, silver anklets, or even gadgets and home decor. Many also buy new brooms, salt, and jaggery – items considered to purify the household.
Rangoli Ideas To Brighten Your Entrance
Rangolis are not just decorations outside homes; they are symbols of warmth, welcoming, and joy. While many individuals add colors to their rangoli design, some prefer to keep it entirely white. If you’re looking for some inspiration this year, try these designs:
- The classic lotus design: The lotus is the symbol of Goddess Lakshmi’s seat and is considered to be an auspicious symbol in Hinduism.
- Footprints leading inside your home: These footprints are considered to be symbolic of Goddess Lakshmi’s feet. Individuals make this design with the belief that Goddess Lakshmi will enter their house and bless them.
- Eco-friendly floral rangolis: Use marigold petals, rose petals, rice flour, and leaves for a vibrant, natural, and more eco-friendly rangoli design.
Complement your rangoli by adorning it with earthen diyas and brass lamps!
Summing Up
Dhanteras isn’t just a day to buy gold or light diyas – it is a reminder to fill your life with positivity and express gratitude for what you have. It is a day to welcome good fortune and pause and reflect on the year gone by. So, here’s to a sparkling Dhanteras 2025 – one filled with gratitude, light, and endless good vibes!
