;
The word "Dhanteras" has been derived from two terms: "Dhan" stands for "wealth" & "Teras" stands for "number thirteen." Hence, the divine occasion of "Dhanteras" is considered a day to worship wealth & prosperity, and it is celebrated each year on the thirteenth day (13th day) during the Krishna Paksha phase of the moon in Ashvin month as per the Hindu Panchang. That's why it's also known by the name "Dhantrayodashi."
According to the Gregorian Calendar, it falls in the month of either October or November.
This year, we are observing the divine observance of “Dhanteras”/ “Dhanatrayodashi” on the 18th of October 2025.
As per Drik Panchang, the “tithi” for "Dhanteras/ Dhantrayodashi" in 2025 is as follows:
The festival of "Dhanteras'' marks the first day of the long Diwali festivities in India. Hence, it becomes a very significant occasion for Hindus.
As per the popular story of 'Samudra Manthan', Mata Lakshmi, along with the other treasures, emerged from "the churning of the sea" on the same day.
Also, Dhanvantri, the God of Ayurvedic medicine carrying the elixir of immortality, had come out during "Samudra Manthan" on "Dhanteras." Hence, this occasion is also observed as "Dhanwantari Trayodashi " or "Dhanvantri Jayanti", the birth anniversary of the God of Ayurveda.
There's also a legend behind the utmost importance of this day, which is as follows:
Once there was a king called Hima. He had a son. Hima used to believe a lot in astrological predictions. One day, an astrologer came to his kingdom. He was asked to look at the horoscope of the Prince. Then, the astrologer predicted to King Hima that his son would die after four days of marriage due to a snake bite.
King Hima tried everything in his whole lifetime to prevent his son from meeting any woman. But on turning 16, his son met a girl & fell in love with her. Unwillingly, Hima had to accept the girl as his daughter-in-law for his son's happiness.
After their marriage, King Hima mentioned the astrologer's prediction to his son's wife. To save her husband from fate, she made sure that her husband didn't fall asleep by lighting up the room using earthen lamps or Diyas. She kept on narrating stories & talking with him the whole night, ultimately keeping him occupied. Additionally, she had also laid out all her gold & jewellery at the entrance of their bedroom to distract the snake whenever he comes in.
When Yama, the God of Death, arrived at their entrance in the form of a serpent, he was bedazzled and captivated by the radiant display of ornaments strategically placed by the prince's wife. The glittering lights and sparkling treasures at the doorstep enchanted Yama, who, instead of claiming the prince's life, stayed the night, mesmerised by the songs and stories. Ultimately, the prince's wife saved his life & they lived happily thereafter.
In gratitude for this miraculous intervention, "Dhanteras" is celebrated as a day to welcome prosperity and ward off misfortune.
Following this, "Dhanteras" is also observed as "Yamadeepam" when women illuminate every corner of their homes with "diyas," symbolising reverence for Lord Yama.
As per Drik Panchang,
Yama Deepam on Saturday, October 18, 2025
The flickering flames burning throughout the night serve as prayers for the well-being, happiness, and prosperity of their husbands and families.
In addition to Mata Lakshmi, the festive occasion of "Dhanteras" is dedicated to Lord Yama as well. There's a belief that buying gold on the Trayodashi tithi can appease Lord Yamaraj, who prevents his devotees from experiencing Akaal Mrityu or dying prematurely. Due to this reason, the astrologers suggest that people should light an oil lamp outside the entrance of their homes on "Dhanteras" in the name of Lord Yama. Eventually, it seeks protection from death and disasters.
Do you feel your relationship lacks harmony despite love being present?
I get you completely; there are certain situations when arguments take over the love between you and your partner. But do not worry, Ekohumm is here to help you with professional astrology services.
Discover clarity and balance in your relationship. Get in touch with Smt. Ekktaa for the birth chart relationship compatibility.
Apart from lighting lamps to appease Lord Yama, there are lots of rituals & observances followed by the devotees on "Dhanteras" which are as follows:
The main ritual of "Dhanteras" involves the cleaning and decoration of homes and business premises to invite the goddess of wealth, Maa Lakshmi, into their places.
Dhanteras rituals include cleaning and adorning primary water containers in homes, adorned with marigold flowers and vermilion paste. The water in these jars symbolises Holy Ganga water metaphorically and is used for the traditional Abhyanga Snan (morning bath) the following day.
The tradition of buying precious metals and utensils on Dhanteras is said to symbolise the protection against ill fortune and the blessings of wealth and prosperity. It is believed that acquiring new possessions on this day brings good luck and success.
According to Hindu beliefs, doing sacred things during a muhurat, which is the best time to do things, is very important. Pushya Nakshatra and Dhanteras are the best times to buy gold and other valuable metals. Pushya Nakshatra is a very important time to welcome the Goddess of Wealth into homes. It is ruled by Jupiter and connected to Goddess Lakshmi. Vedic astrology also says that Thursday (Guru Pushya Yoga) and Sunday (Ravi Pushya Yoga) are good days to buy gold and other jewelry.
In the evening, traditional prayers are offered to Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kubera, the God of wealth.
On "Dhanteras", performing the Lakshmi Puja during Pradosh Kaal, starting after sunset, is auspicious. According to Drik Panchang,

This period is considered highly auspicious( shubh) for purchasing gold, silver, or anything meant to bring long-term stability. Vrishabha kaal is a sthir muhurta (fixed sign), hence actions performed during this time are believed to remain steady and prosperous.
However, people are also involved in Lakshmi Puja on Amavasya (two days after "Dhantrayodashi").
On this occasion, people also worship Lord Dhanvantari, the God of Ayurvedic medicine, to be free from all types of illnesses.
In South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, Brahmin women make "Marundhu," or "medicine", offer it to the Almighty during prayers and consume it as Prashad before sunrise.
Devotees light oil lamps and incense to create a spiritually charged atmosphere. The sound of bells and the chanting of hymns fill the air, creating a sense of devotion and festivity.
In Maharashtra, devotees offer "Naivedya," a sweet crafted from jaggery and coriander seeds to Mata Lakshmi on this day.
Dhanteras is not just about material wealth—it reminds us of the spiritual riches we can gather through devotion, kindness, and righteous living. The festival challenges us to consider the true meaning of wealth materially and spiritually.
This day is also an auspicious time for new beginnings. People purchase new items in their homes, not only a sign of prosperity but also a way of welcoming renewal within themselves. Just as we clean and prepare our homes to make space for fresh energy, we must also cleanse our minds to make space for Bhakti, Guru Prem, Seva, and the recitation of God's divine names (Naam Jap).
Are unexpected obstacles slowing down your business success?
I understand how it feels when you don’t get expected results even after giving it your all. Let’s understand today what holds your business back through numerology astrology blended as astronumero consulting at Ekohumm.
Connect with the best astrologer for online consultation Ekohumm, led by Smt. Ekktaa. Unlock limitless growth, remove blockages, and guide your business towards prosperity.
1. When is Dhanteras in 2025?
As per the Hindu Lunisolar Calendar, we are celebrating Dhanteras on the 18th of October 2025 this year.
2. How is Dhanteras connected to Diwali?
Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, is the very first day of long Diwali celebrations in our country, India.
3. Which deity is worshipped on Dhanteras?
On the divine festival of Dhanteras, we worship Mata Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kubera, the God of wealth.
4. How do we celebrate Dhanteras?
On Dhanteras, devotees perform Yamadeepam, clean and decorate homes to welcome Maa Lakshmi, buy precious metals and utensils during Pushya Nakshatra, and worship Maa Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.