Dhanteras 2025 | Meaning | Rituals | Legend & Significance

Dhanteras 2025: The Auspicious Beginning of Diwali Celebrations

By Intimate viewpoint

Introduction

Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, marks the first day of the grand five-day Diwali festival celebrated across India with immense joy and devotion. It is a day dedicated to wealth, prosperity, and well-being, and holds great significance in Hindu culture. On this day, people worship Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician, and Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and fortune, to invite abundance and health into their homes.

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In 2025, Dhanteras will be celebrated on Saturday, 18th October 2025. The festival falls on the Trayodashi Tithi (13th day) of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartika.

The Meaning and Essence of Dhanteras

The word Dhanteras is derived from two Sanskrit words:

‘Dhan’ meaning wealth, and ‘Teras’ meaning thirteenth day (Trayodashi).

Thus, Dhanteras literally translates to “the thirteenth day dedicated to wealth.” It is believed that worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari on this day brings good fortune, prosperity, and protection from diseases and misfortunes. The festival also sets the tone for the much-awaited Diwali celebrations, which follow in the coming days.

Rituals and Traditions of Dhanteras

Dhanteras is celebrated with great enthusiasm in households, temples, and marketplaces across India. The rituals performed on this day are believed to bring prosperity, good fortune, and protection.

1. Cleaning and Decoration of Homes

People begin preparing for Dhanteras well in advance by cleaning, renovating, and decorating their homes and workplaces. The act of cleaning is symbolic—it represents removing negativity and inviting positive energy and wealth. Entrances are adorned with colorful rangolis, torans (garlands), and diyas to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.

2. Buying Precious Metals and Utensils

One of the most important customs of Dhanteras is the purchase of new items, especially gold, silver, or utensils. It is believed that buying metal items on this day brings good luck and prosperity. People also buy new clothes, jewelry, or household goods as a sign of fresh beginnings and economic progress. The markets remain crowded, and a festive mood fills the air as shoppers rush to make their purchases.

3. Dhanvantari Puja

In many places, devotees perform Lord Dhanvantari Puja. Special prayers are offered for good health, and sacred mantras are chanted. Offerings of flowers, sweets, and lamps are made to the deity. This puja holds particular importance among doctors, healers, and practitioners of Ayurveda, as Lord Dhanvantari is considered their divine guide.

4. Lakshmi Puja on Dhanteras Evening

In the evening, people perform Lakshmi Puja with devotion and joy. Lamps are lit in every corner of the house to welcome the Goddess of wealth. The traditional ‘Shodashopachara’ Puja (16 forms of offering) is performed, and devotees recite Lakshmi Stotra and Kuber Mantra to invite wealth and happiness into their homes.

After the puja, lamps are placed outside the house and near the entrance, symbolizing the light that guides prosperity home.

5. Yama Deepam Ritual

On Dhanteras night, a special lamp called “Yama Deepam” is lit and placed outside the main door, facing south, as an offering to Yama, the God of Death. It is believed that this lamp prevents untimely death and brings longevity to family members. The ritual is often accompanied by the recitation of a special mantra dedicated to Yama. 

Legends Associated with Dhanteras

Several fascinating legends are connected to the celebration of Dhanteras, each highlighting the festival’s spiritual and cultural depth.

1. The Legend of Lord Dhanvantari

According to Hindu mythology, during the great event of Samudra Manthan (the churning of the ocean), many divine treasures emerged from the ocean, one of which was Lord Dhanvantari. He appeared holding a pot of Amrit (nectar of immortality) and the sacred Ayurveda texts, symbolizing health, healing, and long life.

Thus, Dhanteras is celebrated to honor Lord Dhanvantari, who is considered the God of Medicine and Health. Many people, especially those in the medical field, worship Him on this day to seek blessings for good health and success in healing others.

2. The Story of King Hima’s Son

Another popular story associated with Dhanteras is about the young prince, the son of King Hima. It was predicted that the prince would die from a snake bite on the fourth day after his marriage. To protect him, his wise and devoted wife lit several lamps around the house and arranged all her ornaments and gold coins in a heap near the entrance.

When Yama, the God of Death, arrived disguised as a serpent, his eyes were dazzled by the brilliance of the lamps and the shining gold. Instead of entering, he sat mesmerized by the light and spent the night listening to the melodious songs sung by the prince’s wife. The next morning, Yama left peacefully without harming the prince.

From that day, the custom of lighting lamps and buying gold or silver on Dhanteras began, symbolizing the victory of light and devotion over darkness and death.

Cultural and Regional Celebrations

While the essence of Dhanteras remains the same across India, different regions observe unique customs:

In North India, people decorate their homes with earthen lamps and draw footprints of Goddess Lakshmi with rice flour to welcome her.

In Maharashtra, people exchange sweets and light lamps to celebrate the victory of light over darkness.

In Gujarat, Dhanteras marks the beginning of the new financial year, and traders open new account books (Chopda Pujan) to seek divine blessings for success in business.

In South India, the festival is observed as Dhanvantari Jayanti, emphasizing the worship of the Lord of Medicine and the importance of health.

The Spiritual Significance of Dhanteras

Dhanteras is not merely about material wealth; it carries a deeper spiritual meaning. It teaches us to value health over riches, light over darkness, and faith over fear.

The festival encourages people to:

Maintain purity in thoughts and actions, just as they clean their homes.

Respect wealth and use it wisely, for prosperity is meaningful only when it benefits others.

Light the lamp of knowledge and kindness, dispelling ignorance and negativity.

Dhanteras also reminds us that true wealth lies in health, harmony, and gratitude. By praying to Lord Dhanvantari, we seek physical well-being, and by invoking Goddess Lakshmi, we seek inner and outer prosperity.

Dhanteras and Modern Lifestyle

In today’s world, Dhanteras holds even greater relevance. Amidst the hustle of modern life, the festival encourages people to pause and appreciate what they have. Families come together to perform rituals, share meals, and celebrate the blessings of health and abundance.

Many people also take this day to donate to the needy, reflecting the true spirit of Dhanteras — sharing one’s fortune with others. Charity and kindness are seen as forms of divine blessings that multiply prosperity.

Conclusion

Dhanteras, the festival of light, wealth, and wellness, beautifully intertwines spiritual devotion and practical wisdom. It reminds us that while material wealth can bring comfort, true prosperity lies in good health, kindness, and gratitude.

As homes glow with the golden light of diyas on Tuesday, 21st October 2025, hearts too will shine with hope, devotion, and joy. Dhanteras marks not just the beginning of Diwali but also the beginning of renewed positivity, faith, and togetherness.

May this Dhanteras bring abundant health, happiness, and prosperity to all!