Dhanteras 2025: Date, Story, Rituals & Significance

Dhanteras marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival. It is a very special day for Hindus. The word 'Dhan' means wealth, while 'Teras' refers to the thirteenth day. On this day, people worship Lord Dhanvantari, who is known as the god of health and medicine. They also pray to the Goddess Lakshmi for success in life.
Dhanteras is a day of shopping. People purchase new items, particularly gold, silver, and new kitchen utensils. It is thought that purchasing new metal brings good fortune and wealth. Many people clean and decorate their homes with diyas and rangolis. This is to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. The day is a wonderful opportunity to start the Diwali celebrations with hope and new beginnings.

Date/Muhurat/Tithi (Dhanteras 2025)

Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Trayodashi Tithi (13th day) begins: 6:43 AM on October 21
Trayodashi Tithi ends: 5:14 AM on October 22
Pradosh Kaal: 6:03 PM to 8:31 PM
Vrishabha Kaal: 6:46 PM to 8:42 PM

Mythological Stories of Dhanteras

Dhanteras has some stories.
1. The Churning of the Ocean (Samudra Manthan)
According to Hindu scriptures, during the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan) by the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras), many divine treasures emerged. Among them appeared Lord Dhanvantari, carrying a pot of Amrit (nectar of immortality) and the sacred Ayurvedic texts. Since this event took place on the Trayodashi day, it came to be celebrated as Dhanteras, honouring Lord Dhanvantari as the divine physician.
2. The Story of King Hima’s Son
Another popular legend narrates the tale of King Hima’s 16-year-old son, whose horoscope predicted his death by a snake bite on the fourth day of his marriage. To save his life, his clever wife placed gold ornaments, silver coins, and bright lamps at the entrance of their chamber. She kept him awake with stories and songs throughout the night. When Yama, the god of death, arrived in the form of a serpent, he was dazzled by the brilliance of the lights and jewellery. Unable to enter, he silently left. Since then, people light lamps and buy metals on Dhanteras to keep misfortune and death away.

Rituals and Traditions of Dhanteras 2025

People clean, paint, and decorate their homes before Dhanteras, as it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi only visits clean and well-lit houses. Beautiful rangoli designs are drawn at the entrance, and earthen lamps (diyas) are lit to welcome prosperity.
Buying precious metals on Dhanteras is a very old tradition. It is considered a symbol of attracting good fortune and safeguarding wealth. Many also buy brass, copper, or steel utensils on this day.
In the evening, devotees worship Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Kubera (the god of wealth). Offerings of flowers, sweets, incense, and lamps are made. Lamps are also lit outside the house to ward off negative energies.
Since Dhanteras is associated with Lord Dhanvantari, people also pray for good health, longevity, and protection from diseases.

Significance of Dhanteras

Dhanteras marks the beginning of the Diwali celebrations. Buying new items symbolizes the arrival of wealth and happiness in life.
Worship of Lord Dhanvantari reminds devotees of the importance of good health. People also perform rituals for well-being and protection from illnesses.
Families come together to clean and decorate their homes, prepare special sweets, and light lamps. It is a time of togetherness and joy.
By lighting lamps and worshipping deities, devotees remove darkness from their lives and invite positivity, prosperity, and wisdom.

How to Celebrate Dhanteras 2025 at Home

Wake up early, take a holy bath, and clean your home.
Decorate the entrance with rangoli and place lamps or candles.
Purchase gold, silver, or new utensils as per your capacity.
In the evening, perform the Lakshmi Puja during Pradosh Kaal.
Offer sweets, fruits, flowers, and light 13 lamps at the entrance of the house.
Pray for the health, wealth, and well-being of your family.

How the Utsav App Can Help You?

You can read stories like the story of Diwali in the app’s Gyan Section.
You can also book pujas on special days from the comfort of your own home.
You can offer bhog and dakshina to temples online.
It will keep notifying you of important days, so you don’t have to miss any rituals.

Conclusion

Dhanteras 2025, falling on 19 October, marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival. This auspicious day is not just about wealth and prosperity but also about good health, positivity, and the well-being of loved ones. Whether it is buying precious metals, worshipping Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi, or lighting lamps to drive away negativity, every ritual of Dhanteras carries deep meaning. Celebrating Dhanteras with faith, joy, and gratitude ensures a happy and prosperous year ahead.