Guide to Dhanteras 2025: Rituals, Timings & Traditions

As one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar, Dhanteras marks the beginning of Diwali and is widely observed across India and in Indian communities abroad. Culturally associated with wealth, wellness, and new beginnings, the day is celebrated through specific rituals, shopping traditions, and prayers dedicated to deities like Lakshmi, Kuber, and Dhanvantari.

Here’s everything to know about Dhanteras 2025—from its date and significance to puja muhurat and regional customs.

When is Dhanteras in 2025?

According to Hindu calendar experts and several media reports, Dhanteras in 2025 falls on Saturday, October 18. The day corresponds to Trayodashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik.

• Trayodashi Tithi Begins: October 18, 12:18 PM
• Trayodashi Tithi Ends: October 19, 1:51 PM

The most favourable time for performing Lakshmi Puja is believed to be during Pradosh Kaal, especially when it overlaps with Vrishabha Kaal.

Suggested Lakshmi Puja Muhurat (Local Times)

According to astrology platforms and traditional panchang data, the ideal muhurat for Dhanteras Lakshmi Puja is:

• 7:16 PM to 8:20 PM (Indian Standard Time)

Some city-specific puja timings reported include:

Experts advise performing the puja during this window to align with traditional beliefs about planetary alignments and spiritual benefits.

What is Dhanteras & Why it’s Celebrated

Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, combines two Sanskrit words—“Dhan” (wealth) and “Teras” (thirteen). The festival is traditionally associated with invoking prosperity, good health, and protection from untimely death.

According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician, emerged from the ocean during Samudra Manthan on this day, carrying the nectar of immortality (amrit). For this reason, Ayurvedic practitioners and health professionals often observe this day as a celebration of wellness.

Many households also worship Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, and Lord Kuber, the treasurer of the gods, with the hope of attracting abundance and fortune in the coming year.

Traditional Beliefs Around Shopping on Dhanteras

Shopping is considered one of the most popular activities on Dhanteras. According to cultural traditions, buying metals such as gold, silver, copper, or brass is thought to bring prosperity and good luck. In recent years, people have also started purchasing electronics, automobiles, and even digital gold during this time.

Common items people traditionally buy include:

• Gold or silver coins engraved with images of Lakshmi or Ganesha
• New kitchen utensils, preferably made of metal
• Diyas (lamps), idols, and decorative items
• Ayurvedic products, symbolic of Dhanvantari’s blessings

Many also believe that buying essentials for the home—rather than luxury goods—aligns better with the spirit of the day. If gold or silver isn’t your vibe, there are several demi-fine jewellery brands that can be your luxe-yet-budget fix. For some traditional diyas or metal items, brands like Statue Studio, Devsabha and ArtCraft offer a variety to choose from.

Note: Certain objects such as sharp items (e.g., knives or scissors), glassware, and empty containers are generally avoided as purchases, as they are considered inauspicious in some regions.

How the Rituals are Performed

Pre-Puja Preparations

• Homes are traditionally cleaned and decorated before sunset
• Rangoli designs are drawn at the entrance using rice flour, turmeric, and flowers
• Lamps (diyas) are arranged to light up dark corners and entrances

Puja Vidhi (As Per Traditional Guidelines)

• Idols or Images of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kuber, and Lord Dhanvantari are placed on a clean cloth or puja platform
• Offerings such as sweets, flowers, rice, turmeric, coins, and ghee are placed in front of the deities
• Devotees light a special diya known as the Yama Deepam outside the home to ward off untimely death
• Mantras and aartis are recited, often including Lakshmi Aarti and Dhanvantari stotra
• Prasad is distributed among family members and neighbours

Experts often recommend using pure ghee, fresh flowers, and clean utensils during the rituals to maintain sanctity.

Regional Variations in Observance

Dhanteras customs vary slightly from state to state.

• In North India, the day is closely tied to Lakshmi Puja and shopping for gold or utensils.
• In Gujarat and Rajasthan, families prepare elaborate rangolis and buy traditional metalware or artisanal cookware.
• In South Indian states, the focus may lean towards health and food-related rituals, sometimes linking to Dhanvantari worship.
• In the East, Dhanteras overlaps with Lakshmi Puja practices, especially in Bengal and Odisha, though shopping rituals remain consistent.

While the core purpose remains the same—welcoming prosperity and good health—regional culinary treats, decorations, and rituals add a distinct local flavour.

Dhanteras in the Modern World

While rooted in ancient tradition, Dhanteras has evolved with the times. Some trends seen in recent years include:

• Online purchases of precious metals or puja kits
• Eco-conscious celebrations using biodegradable decorations and oil-free diyas
• Increasing popularity of Dhanteras gifting in offices and among friends
• Subscription-based delivery of Ayurvedic wellness kits or organic essentials in line with Dhanvantari’s healing symbolism

Health-conscious individuals may also choose to mark the day with mindful living practices, such as detox diets, yoga sessions, or charity donations focused on healthcare.

Dhanteras is seen by many as the perfect start to Diwali celebrations—a day when households prepare themselves, materially and spiritually, for the days of light and joy ahead. Whether it’s a small diya lit with devotion or a silver coin bought with hope, every gesture on this day is believed to symbolise abundance, purity, and protection.