Dhanteras or Dhantrayodashi heralds the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival. This year, Dhanteras falls on Saturday, October 18. Not just India, Dhanteras is celebrated worldwide, especially in the US, UK, and Canada. It reminds believers to welcome positive energy in their lives, purify their environment, and welcome the light of faith and riches.
What is the significance of Dhanteras?
The term Dhanteras comes from "Dhan", implying wealth, and "Teras", meaning the thirteenth day of the lunar fortnight. It is considered that on this day, Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and wealth, comes to the houses of her devotees. People also worship Lord Kubera, the god of wealth, and Lord Dhanvantari, the god of medicine and health.
As per legend, Dhanteras commemorates the day when Lord Dhanvantari appeared from the ocean at Samudra Manthan carrying the divine pot of nectar. Thus, the day is also referred to as Dhanvantari Jayanti and is related to good health and well-being.
Rituals and traditions
The devotees sweep and adorn their houses with rangoli, flowers, and lamps (diyas), reflecting the welcome to prosperity. Purchasing gold, silver, or utensils on Dhanteras is considered extremely auspicious, as these represent good fortune and prosperity. In the evening, families worship Lakshmi Puja, offering sweets, fruits, and flowers, and reciting hymns in order to invoke divine blessings.
One of the most important rituals is Yama deep Daan, where lamps are lit outside houses to appease Lord Yama, who is the god of death. The practice is thought to ward off family members from premature death and promote longevity and peace.
Dhanteras 2025 puja muhurat timings in US, UK and Canada according to Drik Panchang
USA
Devotess can perform the puja in a one-hour and 19-minute duration. The best time to light Yama deepam is between 6:25 pm and 9 pm. The muhurat in the major cities are:
Washington D.C. – 7:42 PM to 9:00 PM
New York – 7:16 PM to 8:20 PM (EDT)
Los Angeles & San Francisco – 7:16 PM to 8:20 PM (PDT)
Chicago & Houston – 7:16 PM to 8:20 PM (CDT)
UK
In London, devotees can perform the rituals for a duration of 1 hour and 37 minutes. The muhurat is from 6:56 PM to 8:34 PM GMT, and the auspicious time to light Yama deepam is 6:00 PM to 8:43 PM.
Canada
The devotees can perform the puja in the duration of an hour and 31 minutes. The best time to light Yama deepam is between 6:12pm to 8:50 pm. The muhurat to perform the puja in the major Canadian cities are:
Ottawa – 7:19 PM to 8:50 PM
Toronto – 7:39 PM to 9:06 PM
Vancouver – 7:17 PM to 8:56 PM
Montreal – 7:11 PM to 8:42 PM
