As the golden glow of lamps fills every home and the aroma of freshly made sweets lingers in the air, India steps into one of its most auspicious festivals – Dhanteras.
Happy Dhanteras 2025 marks the grand opening of the Diwali celebrations, blending tradition, devotion, and prosperity. From lighting the first Dhanteras diya to performing the sacred Dhan Teras Puja, this day is a heartfelt reminder that festivals are not just about rituals – they’re about hope, blessings, and togetherness.
In this guide, we’ll explore about Dhanteras, its significance, how to perform Laxmi Dhanteras Puja, the meaning behind the Dhanteras special customs, and practical tips to make this festive day truly memorable.
About Dhanteras – The Beginning of Diwali
Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, falls on the thirteenth day (Trayodashi) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik, according to the Hindu calendar. In 2025, Happy Dhanteras will be celebrated on October 19th, two days before Diwali.
The Significance of Dhanteras
The word Dhan means wealth, and Teras refers to the thirteenth day. On this day, devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth and prosperity) and Lord Dhanvantari (the god of Ayurveda and health).
Legend says that during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), Lord Dhanvantari emerged carrying a pot of Amrit, symbolizing health and longevity, while Goddess Lakshmi brought wealth and abundance. Hence, Dhanteras is celebrated as a day to welcome both health and prosperity into our lives.
Dhanteras Special – Customs & Traditions
Dhanteras is not just about buying gold or silver – it’s about setting intentions for the year ahead. Here are the key Dhanteras special traditions observed across India:
- Buying Precious Metals
- People buy gold, silver, or utensils on Dhanteras as a symbol of good luck.
- Even a small silver coin with Goddess Lakshmi’s imprint is considered auspicious.
- Lighting the Dhanteras Diya
- A Dhanteras diya (lamp) is lit at the main entrance in the evening to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.
- The diya burns throughout the night to drive away negative energy.
- Lakshmi Puja Preparations
- Homes are cleaned, decorated with rangoli, and adorned with flowers.
- The altar is prepared with idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.
- Ayurvedic Rituals
- Some households worship Lord Dhanvantari for health and longevity, offering tulsi leaves and medicinal herbs.
Diwali Dhanteras – Why It’s the First Day of Festivities
Dhanteras officially kicks off the five-day Diwali celebrations:
- Day 1 – Dhanteras: Worship of wealth and health.
- Day 2 – Naraka Chaturdashi / Chhoti Diwali: Victory of light over darkness.
- Day 3 – Diwali: Grand Lakshmi Puja night.
- Day 4 – Govardhan Puja: Honoring nature and Lord Krishna.
- Day 5 – Bhai Dooj: Celebrating sibling bonds.
By performing Laxmi Dhanteras Puja, families invite blessings for wealth before the main Diwali night.
How to Perform Laxmi Dhanteras Puja
Performing Dhan Teras Puja at home is simple yet deeply spiritual. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Puja Timings for Happy Dhanteras 2025
- Date: October 19, 2025
- Best Muhurat: Between 6:50 PM – 8:20 PM (IST) (check local timings)
Required Items:
- Idol or picture of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha
- Fresh flowers and garlands
- Incense sticks and camphor
- Kumkum, turmeric, and rice
- Coins, gold/silver items, or new utensils
- Diyas (oil lamps)
- Sweets and fruits
Puja Steps:
- Cleanse the Home: Sweep, mop, and purify the space with incense.
- Decorate the Entrance: Draw rangoli and place a Dhanteras diya at the doorway.
- Set the Altar: Place idols, flowers, and puja items neatly.
- Invoke Blessings: Light diyas and incense; chant Lakshmi mantras.
- Offer Prayers: Present sweets, coins, and flowers to Goddess Lakshmi.
- Aarti & Lighting Diyas: End the ritual with aarti, ensuring the diya burns overnight.
The Spiritual Meaning of the Dhanteras Diya
The Dhanteras diya isn’t just a light source – it’s a symbol of illumination, hope, and positive energy. Placing it at the entrance invites divine blessings and drives away negativity.
Tip: Use ghee lamps instead of oil for a brighter, longer-lasting flame.
Dhanteras Special Shopping – Dos & Don’ts
- Do Buy:
- Gold, silver, or copper utensils
- Silver coins with Goddess Lakshmi’s image
- New home tools or gadgets for productivity
- Avoid:
- Buying items made of glass or black-colored goods on this day
- Making major investments without proper planning
Real-Life Story – A Dhanteras to Remember
In 2018, Meera from Jaipur decided to skip buying gold due to financial constraints. Instead, she bought a small Dhanteras diya and performed Laxmi Dhanteras Puja with devotion. The following year, her home-based business flourished, allowing her to buy gold for the first time on Dhanteras. She says, “It’s not about the price of what you buy, but the faith you carry in your heart.”
Tips for a Meaningful Happy Dhanteras 2025
- Plan Early: Decide what you’ll buy before the day arrives.
- Eco-Friendly Décor: Use natural flowers, clay diyas, and organic rangoli colors.
- Share Prosperity: Donate food, clothes, or essentials to those in need.
- Cook a Dhanteras Special Meal: Include traditional sweets like kheer, laddoo, or gulab jamun.
About Dhanteras & Prosperity Mindset
Dhanteras is more than a ritual – it’s a reminder to nurture wealth wisely, maintain good health, and keep our homes and hearts clean. Laxmi Dhanteras teaches that prosperity isn’t just gold and silver; it’s peace, unity, and goodwill.
Checklist for Dhanteras Puja
✅ Clean and decorate your home
✅ Arrange puja items in advance
✅ Buy something symbolic of wealth
✅ Light the Dhanteras diya at the entrance
✅ Perform Dhan Teras Puja during shubh muhurat
✅ Share blessings with others
Conclusion – Welcoming Light & Prosperity
As you prepare for Happy Dhanteras 2025, remember that the festival’s real magic lies in the harmony of tradition and intention. Whether you buy gold, light a diya, or simply offer heartfelt prayers, what matters most is your devotion.
This Diwali Dhanteras, may Goddess Lakshmi bless your home with abundance, Lord Dhanvantari grant you health, and the warm glow of the Dhanteras diya light up your path toward joy and success.
