Dhanteras, the auspicious festival marking the beginning of the five-day Diwali celebrations, will be observed on Saturday, October 18, 2025. This sacred day holds immense significance in Hindu tradition as it honors wealth, health, and prosperity through the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Dhanvantari, and Lord Kuber.
Understanding the Significance of Dhanteras
The word “Dhanteras” derives from two Sanskrit terms: “Dhan” meaning wealth and “Teras” referring to the thirteenth day of the lunar fortnight. Also known as Dhanatrayodashi, this festival is celebrated on the thirteenth lunar day (Trayodashi Tithi) of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the ocean carrying a pot of Amrit (nectar of immortality) during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean). His appearance symbolizes the introduction of Ayurveda to humanity, making this day equally significant for health and well-being. Additionally, Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, is believed to have manifested during this divine event.
Dhanteras 2025: Auspicious Timings and Muhurat
The Trayodashi Tithi begins at 12:18 PM on October 18, 2025 and ends at 1:51 PM on October 19, 2025. However, according to traditional Hindu Panchang guidance, the rituals and purchases should be performed on October 18 during the designated muhurat.
Key Timings for Dhanteras 2025:
Dhanteras Puja Muhurat: 7:15 PM to 8:20 PM (Duration: 1 hour 4 minutes)
Pradosh Kaal: 5:48 PM to 8:19 PM
Vrishabha Kaal: 7:15 PM to 9:11 PM
Gold and Silver Buying Muhurat: 12:18 PM (Oct 18) to 6:24 AM (Oct 19)
City-Wise Dhanteras Puja Muhurat
Different cities have slightly varying puja timings based on local sunset times:
| City | Puja Muhurat |
|---|---|
| New Delhi | 7:16 PM – 8:20 PM |
| Mumbai | 7:49 PM – 8:41 PM |
| Kolkata | 6:41 PM – 7:38 PM |
| Bengaluru | 7:39 PM – 8:25 PM |
| Chennai | 7:28 PM – 8:15 PM |
| Hyderabad | 7:29 PM – 8:20 PM |
| Jaipur | 7:24 PM – 8:26 PM |
| Ahmedabad | 7:44 PM – 8:41 PM |
| Pune | 7:46 PM – 8:38 PM |
| Chandigarh | 7:14 PM – 8:20 PM |
What to Buy on Dhanteras 2025
Purchasing specific items on Dhanteras is considered highly auspicious and is believed to invite prosperity and good fortune into homes.
Traditional Auspicious Purchases
1. Gold Jewelry and Coins
Gold remains the most popular and auspicious purchase on Dhanteras as it symbolizes stability, wealth, and good fortune. Buying gold items such as bangles, necklaces, earrings, rings, or gold coins engraved with Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha is believed to bring divine blessings. Gold purchases should ideally be made in 22K for jewelry and 24K for coins, with proper BIS hallmark certification.
2. Silver Items
Silver represents serenity, purity, and protection against negative energy. Purchasing silver jewelry, coins, or utensils on Dhanteras is a popular tradition that attracts luck and blessings.
3. Utensils and Kitchenware
Brass, copper, bronze, or stainless steel utensils are considered auspicious purchases. These items should not be brought home empty; fill them with grains, rice, or water to symbolize abundance. However, avoid buying sieves, knives, sharpening tools, or chopping machines.
4. Broom (Jhadu)
The broom is considered one of the most auspicious items to purchase on Dhanteras as it represents the eradication of negative energy and poverty. Buying a new broom is believed to sweep away all barriers to success and is associated with Goddess Lakshmi.
5. Lakshmi-Ganesha Idols
Bringing fresh idols of Lord Ganesha (remover of obstacles) and Goddess Lakshmi (bringer of wealth) fosters harmony and blessings in the home.
6. Gomti Chakra and Cowrie Shells
These items with unique round designs are believed to bring peace, prosperity, and protection. They are usually placed at the altar or in lockers.
7. Electronics and Vehicles
Modern purchases such as gadgets, appliances, or automobiles are also considered auspicious on Dhanteras as they symbolize wealth and luxury.
8. Coriander Seeds (Dhania)
Offering coriander seeds to Goddess Lakshmi is considered very auspicious as it signifies fertility and abundance.
9. Salt
Purchasing salt on Dhanteras is a traditional practice believed to bring prosperity.
10. New Account Books and Pens
For business owners, buying new account books (Bahi-khata) and pens symbolizes new beginnings and financial growth.
Items to Avoid on Dhanteras
Certain items should be avoided on this sacred day:
Iron or steel items (associated with Saturn/Shani)
Mustard oil or sesame oil (connected with hardship)
Black-colored items and clothes (inauspicious)
Sharp objects like knives, needles, scissors (may bring bad luck)
Leather goods (contradicts the festival spirit)
Glass items (considered inauspicious)
Complete Dhanteras Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Ritual)
Performing Dhanteras puja with devotion invites blessings of wealth, health, and prosperity into your home.
Puja Preparation
1. Home Cleaning and Decoration
Thoroughly clean your entire home, especially the entrance, puja area, windows, and doors. A clean home attracts positive energy and Goddess Lakshmi. Decorate the entrance with colorful rangoli designs featuring lotus, kalash, footprints of Lakshmi, or swastika symbols. Place diyas (oil lamps) and fairy lights around the home.
2. Essential Puja Samagri (Items Required)
Gather the following items before starting the puja:
Idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, Lord Dhanvantari, and Lord Kuber
Kuber Yantra and Shri Yantra
Wooden platform (chowki) for deity placement
New account book (Bahi-khata) and pen
Unbroken rice (Akshat), turmeric, kumkum, sindoor
Gangajal (holy water), pure cow ghee, sugar
Betel leaves, betel nuts, cloves, cardamom
Fresh flowers, garlands (especially marigolds and red roses)
Sacred thread (Janeu), red thread (Kalava)
Incense sticks, dhoop, camphor, diyas, cotton wicks
Fruits, sweets (especially boondi laddoo), coconut
Panchamrit (mixture of milk, curd, ghee, sugar, and honey)
Whole coriander seeds
Gold and silver coins
Brass or silver kalash (pot) with water
Seven grains (Saptadhanya)
Puja cloth (red or yellow)
Step-by-Step Puja Procedure
Step 1: Set Up the Altar
In the Ishan Kona (northeast corner) of your home, place a clean red or yellow cloth on a wooden platform. Arrange the kalash (pot) filled with water, topped with mango leaves and a coconut. Place idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, Lord Dhanvantari, and Lord Kuber on the platform.
Step 2: Light the Diyas
Traditionally, 13 diyas are lit on Dhanteras, signifying the waning moon days. Keep at least one diya lit overnight for protection from negativity. Light diyas with pure cow ghee for the puja.
Step 3: Perform Achaman and Offer Water
Begin with achaman (sipping holy water) and offer fresh water and flowers to the deities as a token of dedication.
Step 4: Invoke the Deities
Invoke the gods by chanting the Dhanteras mantra or reciting “Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyai Namah” for Goddess Lakshmi and “Om Gan Ganapataye Namah” for Lord Ganesha.
For Lord Kuber, chant:
“Yakshaya Kuberaya Vaishravanaya Dhanadhanya Adhipataye Dhanadhanya Samriddhi Me Dehi Dapay Dapay Swaha”
Step 5: Offer Prayers and Naivedya
Apply turmeric, sandalwood paste, kumkum to the deities. Offer flowers, garlands, unbroken rice grains, and sweets. Traditional prasad includes boondi laddoo, kheel-batasha, fruits, and panchamrit.
Step 6: Perform Aarti
Rotate the diya clockwise in front of the idols while singing the Lakshmi and Ganesha aarti. This is the most devotional part of the puja.
Step 7: Conclude with Prayers
Pray for blessings for your home, business, and family’s health and prosperity. Distribute prasad among family members.
Special Rituals on Dhanteras
Yama Deepak (Lamp for Lord Yama)
An important tradition on Dhanteras is lighting a Yama Deepak to honor Lord Yama, the god of death, seeking protection from untimely death and ensuring longevity.
How to Light Yama Deepak:
Time: Light between 5:48 PM to 7:04 PM during Pradosh Kaal
Direction: Face south while lighting, as south is Lord Yama’s direction
Lamp Type: Use a four-sided earthen lamp with four cotton wicks
Oil: Fill with mustard oil or sesame oil
Placement: Place outside the main entrance facing south
Mantra to Chant While Lighting Yama Deepak:
“Mrutyuna Pashadandaabhyam Kalen Shyamaya Sah, Trayodashi Dipadanat Suryajah Priyatam Mam”
This mantra seeks Lord Yama’s blessings for protecting the family from fear and ensuring long life.
Important Mantras for Dhanteras Puja
Lakshmi Mantra:
“Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyai Namah”
Ganesha Mantra:
“Om Gan Ganapataye Namah”
Kuber Mantra:
“Om Yakshaya Kuberaya Vaishravanaya Dhanadhanya Samriddhi Me Dehi Dapay Swaha”
Dhanvantari Mantra:
“Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye Amrita Kalasha Hastaya Sarva Amaya Vinashaya Trailokya Nathaya Shri Mahavishnave Namah”
Cultural Significance and Benefits
Dhanteras embodies the Hindu philosophy that true prosperity encompasses both material wealth and spiritual well-being. The festival celebrates:
Health and Longevity: Through worship of Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician and father of Ayurveda
Material Prosperity: Through worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber, inviting financial abundance
Protection and Longevity: Through the Yama Deepak ritual, seeking protection from untimely death
Spiritual Growth: Balancing material pursuits with spiritual development
Performing Dhanteras rituals with devotion is believed to bring stability, remove financial obstacles, create positive energy, and ensure continuous prosperity throughout the year.
Dhanteras 2025 on October 18 offers a sacred opportunity to welcome wealth, health, and prosperity into your life through meaningful rituals and auspicious purchases. By following the traditional puja vidhi during the designated muhurat and making thoughtful purchases, devotees can invoke the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Dhanvantari, and Lord Kuber for a prosperous year ahead.
Whether you choose to buy gold coins, silver utensils, or even a humble broom, the key lies in performing these traditions with devotion and faith. As the festival marks the beginning of Diwali celebrations, it sets a positive and prosperous tone for the days to follow, reminding us that true wealth encompasses material abundance, good health, and spiritual fulfillment.
