Harshvardhan Mishra
Dhanteras Puja Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Dhanteras Puja Muhurat: 07:16 PM to 08:20 PM
Duration: 1 Hour 04 Minutes
Yama Deepam: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Pradosh Kaal: 05:48 PM to 08:20 PM
Vrishabha Kaal: 07:16 PM to 09:11 PM
Trayodashi Tithi Begins: 12:18 PM on October 18, 2025
Trayodashi Tithi Ends: 01:51 PM on October 19, 2025
Introduction
Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, marks the first major day of the five-day Diwali festival and holds immense significance for devotees seeking prosperity and good fortune. The term Dhanteras originates from “Dhan” meaning wealth and “Teras” signifying the thirteenth lunar day (Trayodashi Tithi) of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik.
In 2025, Dhanteras will be celebrated on Saturday, October 18, and the most auspicious Dhanteras Puja Muhurat will last from 07:16 PM to 08:20 PM, a total of 1 hour and 4 minutes, during Pradosh Kaal and Vrishabha Kaal — considered ideal for worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber.
Dhanteras 2025: Key Timings and Tithi Details
| Event | Date & Time (IST) |
|---|---|
| Dhanteras 2025 Date | Saturday, October 18, 2025 |
| Dhanteras Puja Muhurat | 07:16 PM – 08:20 PM |
| Duration | 1 Hour 04 Minutes |
| Yama Deepam Date | October 18, 2025 |
| Pradosh Kaal | 05:48 PM – 08:20 PM |
| Vrishabha Kaal | 07:16 PM – 09:11 PM |
| Trayodashi Tithi Begins | 12:18 PM on Oct 18, 2025 |
| Trayodashi Tithi Ends | 01:51 PM on Oct 19, 2025 |
The combination of Pradosh Kaal and Vrishabha Kaal is considered highly auspicious for Lakshmi-Kuber Puja, ensuring wealth, peace, and fortune in the household.
Spiritual Significance of Dhanteras
Dhanteras holds a profound place in Hindu culture as it marks the beginning of Diwali celebrations. It is believed that on this day, Maa Lakshmi emerged from the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan), holding a Kalash full of gold and prosperity.
It is also the day associated with Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician and incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who brought the nectar of immortality (Amrit) from the ocean. Hence, Dhanteras is celebrated both for wealth and health.
Legends Associated with Dhanteras
1. The Story of Lord Dhanvantari
According to Hindu mythology, during Samudra Manthan, Lord Dhanvantari appeared carrying a pot of Amrit and Ayurveda scriptures. Hence, he is worshipped on this day as the God of Medicine, symbolizing good health and longevity.
2. The Legend of King Hima’s Son
A popular legend tells of King Hima’s 16-year-old son, whose death was predicted by a snake bite on the fourth day of his marriage. To avert the curse, his wife lit numerous diyas, arranged her ornaments and gold coins near the doorway, and recited hymns throughout the night.
When Yama, the God of Death, arrived disguised as a serpent, he was dazzled by the brilliance of the lights and the gold, and thus could not enter. Hence, the tradition of lighting Yama Deepam was born — symbolizing the victory of light over death.
Rituals and Traditions of Dhanteras 2025
1. Cleaning and Decoration
Homes are thoroughly cleaned, painted, and decorated with rangoli and floral garlands. The threshold is adorned with footprints of Goddess Lakshmi, drawn using rice flour or vermilion, symbolizing her entry into the home.
2. Dhanteras Puja Vidhi
During the Pradosh Kaal, devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kuber, and Lord Dhanvantari. A small kalash filled with water, betel leaves, coins, and flowers is placed as a symbol of abundance.
Offerings of fruits, sweets, and diyas are made, and mantras like “Om Hreem Shreem Lakshmibhayo Namah” are chanted.
3. Yama Deepam Ritual
The Yama Deepam ritual is performed after sunset to ward off premature death and bring peace to the household. A single earthen lamp (diya) filled with mustard oil is placed outside the house near the main gate, facing south — dedicated to Lord Yama.
4. Buying Precious Metals
It is customary to buy gold, silver, utensils, or new items on Dhanteras, symbolizing an invitation to prosperity. In modern times, people also invest in property, vehicles, or digital gold as a continuation of this ancient tradition.
5. Health and Wellness Puja
As Lord Dhanvantari is the divine healer, many devotees also perform Ayurvedic pujas or engage in charity by donating medicines and food to the needy, seeking blessings for long life and well-being.
Cultural and Economic Importance
Dhanteras is not just a religious festival; it has cultural and economic importance across India. Jewelers, retailers, and markets witness a surge in sales as buying metal, jewelry, or new goods on this day is considered highly auspicious.
The festival embodies the spirit of fresh beginnings, prosperity, and spiritual wealth, aligning with the Diwali ethos — “From darkness to light, from scarcity to abundance.”
Foods and Offerings
Traditional foods prepared on Dhanteras include:
- Chana dal halwa
- Puran poli
- Laddoo and kheer
- Sweet poha and jaggery dishes
These dishes symbolize sweet beginnings and positivity in the upcoming year.
Dhanteras 2025: Connection to Diwali
Dhanteras marks the start of Diwali festivities, followed by:
- Naraka Chaturdashi / Choti Diwali (October 19, 2025)
- Lakshmi Puja / Diwali (October 20, 2025)
- Govardhan Puja (October 21, 2025)
- Bhai Dooj (October 22, 2025)
It sets the tone for the festival of lights, symbolizing the arrival of wealth, health, and harmony in homes.
Do’s and Don’ts on Dhanteras
✅ Do’s:
- Perform Lakshmi-Kuber Puja during Pradosh Kaal.
- Light a Yama Deepam facing south.
- Buy gold, silver, utensils, or essential household items.
- Keep your home and workplace illuminated and tidy.
🚫 Don’ts:
- Avoid lending or borrowing money on this day.
- Don’t purchase black-colored items or anything considered inauspicious.
- Avoid negative speech or arguments — maintain positivity.
Conclusion
Dhanteras 2025, falling on Saturday, October 18, is a sacred day that ushers in the Diwali festival with prayers for prosperity, good health, and wealth. Observing the rituals with faith, lighting diyas for Yama Deepam, and invoking Goddess Lakshmi ensures that your home is blessed with light, abundance, and joy throughout the year.
Let the golden glow of Dhanteras bring peace, positivity, and prosperity into your life!
