Dhanteras is the first day of the five-day Diwali festival celebrated mainly in India. It occurs on the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight in the Hindu month of Kartika, which usually falls in October or November. This day is special because it is dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda, and is associated with the worship of wealth and prosperity.
This year, Dhanteras will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 29. It falls on the thirteenth day of the Krishna Paksha in the Kartik month (October to November), as per the Hindu calendar. This day marks the start of Diwali, one of the biggest Hindu festivals.
Performing the Dhanteras puja at the right time is important for inviting wealth and prosperity into the home. Here are the details for the best times to perform the rituals:
The word “Dhanteras” comes from two words: “Dhan,” which means wealth, and “Teras,” which means thirteen. It is celebrated on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik. Every year, Dhanteras takes place one or two days before Diwali, marking the start of the festive season.
Dhanteras is a day to worship Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda, and Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. People believe that worshipping these deities brings health, wealth, and happiness. On this day, homes are cleaned and decorated, and people buy new items such as utensils, jewellery, and household goods to bring good luck.
Dhanteras is celebrated with great enthusiasm. People clean their homes, decorate them with lights, and create beautiful rangoli designs. Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari is an important part of the day, along with lighting diyas (lamps) and buying new items. Many people also consider it auspicious to buy gold, silver, or other valuables.
Purchasing items made of gold, silver, utensils, and even brooms is considered lucky on Dhanteras. These purchases are believed to bring good fortune, prosperity, and ward off negative energy. It is a tradition for families to clean and decorate their homes, preparing them to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.
On Dhanteras, people often give gifts to loved ones. Some popular gift ideas include:
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