The festival of lights starts with Dhanteras- a day that shines with devotion, prosperity, and good luck. On Saturday, October 18, 2025, Dhanteras, or Dhantrayodashi, is the first of the five-day Diwali celebrations. The name Dhanteras is derived from the Sanskrit words 'Dhan' (wealth) and 'Teras' (thirteenth), and it is celebrated as abundance in any form - health, wealth, and happiness.
When to perform the puja?
The Trayodashi Tithi, as per the Hindu Panchang, starts on October 18 at 12:18 pm and ends on October 19 at 1:51 pm. The best time to do the Dhanteras Puja -the Shubh Muhurat would be from 6:44 pm to 7:42 pm, when the devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Dhanvantari, and Lord Kubera for prosperity and protection.
How families celebrate Dhanteras
The night is filled with rituals and lights. Houses light up with strings of diyas (lamps) lit at doorsteps to invite Goddess Lakshmi. Family members come together to chant Lakshmi and Dhanvantari mantras and pray for prosperity. It's also a time to thank God for good health - with Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician and longevity, through worship of Lord Yama, the god of death. Lighting a lamp in the name of Yama is said to protect members of the family from premature death.
Why does buying precious things bring luck?
Buying something precious on Dhanteras - whether gold, silver, brassware, or even a new car, has traditionally been very auspicious. Wealth earned on this day is said to multiply thirteen times and provide a bounty during the year.
City-wise timings for Dhanteras puja
New Delhi- 7:16 pm - 8:20 pm
Mumbai: 7:49 pm – 8:41 pm
Kolkata: 6:41 pm – 7:38 pm
Chennai: 7:28 pm – 8:15 pm
Bengaluru: 7:39 pm – 8:25 pm
Hyderabad: 7:29 pm – 8:20 pm
Ahmedabad: 7:44 pm – 8:41 pm
Jaipur: 7:24 pm – 8:26 pm
Aside from the shopping and rituals, Dhanteras is about igniting light within - an appeal to adopt positivity, appreciation, and rebirth. While diyas light up each doorstep and mantras reverberate through the night, Dhanteras brings not only Diwali but also hope that prosperity glows brighter than ever in the coming year.
