Everything You Need to Know About Dhanteras 2025 From Puja Timings to What to Buy for Good Fortune
The five-day Diwali celebration starts today with Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi. The festival represents wealth, prosperity, and good health. This year, Dhanteras is Saturday, October 18, 2025, and it combines spiritual rituals, cultural traditions, and the thrill of auspicious shopping all across India.
The term “Dhanteras” means “Dhan” (wealth) and “Teras” (13th) day of the dark fortnight of the month of Kartik. The devotees worship Lord Dhanvantari (the divine physician), Goddess Lakshmi (the good goddess of wealth), and Lord Kuber (the treasurer of gods) on this day. The day is associated with attracting wealth and good fortune and protecting households.
Spiritual and Cultural Significance
According to Hindu mythology, Dhanteras is the day when Lord Dhanvantari came out of the ocean during Samudra Manthan with a pot of Amrit, or immortal nectar. This event signifies health, a long life, and the return of balance in life.
The Dhanteras rituals begin with cleaning and decorating homes. Families create rangoli, light diyas (lamps), and welcome Goddess Lakshmi’s footprints at the entrance to invite wealth and happiness. In the evenings, devotees light the Yam Deepam, a lamp placed outside the house or behind the house, to secure Lord Yama’s protection from untimely death. The act of lighting lamps also symbolizes driving away darkness and bringing in positive energy.
Dhanteras 2025 Date and Auspicious Timings
According to the Hindu Panchang, Dhanteras will be celebrated on October 18, 2025. The Trayodashi Tithi begins at 12:18 PM on October 18 and ends at 1:51 PM on October 19. The Pradosh Kaal, considered the most auspicious time for evening rituals, will be from 5:48 PM to 8:19 PM. The ideal Lakshmi Puja Muhurat is from 7:15 PM to 8:19 PM, although timings may vary slightly depending on the city.
For people in and around Delhi, the most favorable puja timing is between 7:16 PM and 8:20 PM. These hours are believed to invite the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera for wealth and prosperity in the coming year.
Auspicious Timings for Shopping
Dhanteras is closely associated with shopping for precious metals and new items, as it is believed that anything bought on this day brings good fortune. The most auspicious period for shopping begins at 12:18 PM on October 18 and continues into the early hours of October 19, up to around 6:24 AM in certain regions.
The Choghadiya (lucky time segments) for purchasing items are from 12:18 PM to 4:23 PM in the afternoon and from 5:48 PM to 7:23 PM in the evening. These hours are especially favorable for buying gold, silver, utensils, or other valuable items that signify prosperity and new beginnings.
Rituals and Puja Vidhi
The day starts with the cleaning of the house and decorating it with flowers, rangoli, and electric lights. The puja area is ready with idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera, and Lord Dhanvantari. The devotees perform the Shodashopachara Puja, which consists of 16 steps in worship, including offering flowers, sweets, dhup, and diyas.
In the evening, after sunset, the Yam Deep Daan is performed, which consists of lighting a lamp and placing it by the entrance or behind the house. It is supposed to protect the family from accidental or untimely death while inviting good energies into the home. Lighting the lamps around the whole house symbolizes the triumph of light overcoming darkness and a new and prosperous phase starting upon the family.
What to buy and what not to buy
Dhanteras is traditionally considered a day to buy gold, silver, copper, and brass items. Buying these metals was to indicate to all that new wealth is being welcomed into the family. In recent times the tradition has evolved, and people will buy new clothes, utensils, electronic gadgets, vehicles, and new appliances. These purchases are to indicate to all abundance, growth, and success.
Astrologers and traditional beliefs also indicate to not purchase or bring home empty containers, iron utensils, or sharp tools, and anything black. These are believed to attract negativity and are considered inauspicious on this day.
Festive Markets and Shopping Trends
Markets across India are buzzing with festive excitement. Jewelry stores, electronic showrooms, and home appliance outlets are witnessing high demand as families rush to make their Dhanteras purchases. Despite record-high gold prices, crossing ₹130,000 per 10 grams in some cities, people continue to buy lighter jewelry, silver coins, and utensils to mark the festival.
A shift in consumer behavior is noticeable this year, with many choosing practical and meaningful purchases such as home appliances, gadgets, and vehicles over extravagant buys. Experts say shoppers are focusing more on long-term value and utility rather than luxury spending, reflecting a balanced approach between tradition and practicality.
Tips for an Auspicious Celebration
- Check the local puja and shopping muhurat for your city before making purchases.
- Choose new and useful items such as gold, silver, or home appliances to symbolize fresh beginnings.
- Perform the Lakshmi-Kubera Puja during the Pradosh Kaal, ideally between 7:15 PM and 8:19 PM.
- Keep your home clean and well-lit throughout the evening to attract wealth and positive energy.
- Celebrate the day with gratitude and devotion, focusing on both spiritual and material well-being.
A Festival of Prosperity and Renewal
Dhanteras 2025 perfectly blends spirituality, tradition, and celebration. The day is not just about shopping or material wealth but also about inviting light, health, and happiness into our lives. By performing rituals, decorating homes, and making meaningful purchases, families set the tone for the joyous days of Diwali that follow.
As Dhanteras ushers in the festival of lights, may this day bring abundance, happiness, and prosperity to every household.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- When is Dhanteras 2025?
Dhanteras will be celebrated on Saturday, October 18, 2025. The Trayodashi Tithi starts at 12:18 PM on October 18 and ends at 1:51 PM on October 19.
- What is the best time for Lakshmi Puja on Dhanteras?
The most auspicious time for Lakshmi Puja, known as the Pradosh Kaal, is from 7:15 PM to 8:19 PM. For Delhi, the ideal time is between 7:16 PM and 8:20 PM.
- What items should be bought on Dhanteras?
People traditionally buy gold, silver, copper, or brass items, along with utensils, jewelry, and valuable goods. In modern times, appliances, electronics, and vehicles are also popular purchases.
- What should not be bought on Dhanteras?
Avoid purchasing items like empty containers, iron utensils, sharp tools, and black-colored objects, as these are considered inauspicious and believed to attract negative energy.
- Why do people light lamps for Lord Yama on Dhanteras?
Lighting the Yam Deepam on Dhanteras evening is believed to please Lord Yama, the god of death, and protect the family from untimely death while bringing peace and prosperity into the home.
