As Diwali approaches every year, homes across India come alive with glitter and excitement. Dhanteras is the first day of Diwali and it signifies the initiation of all the celebrations that will occur within the following few days. In 2025, Dhanteras will be celebrated on Saturday, October 18, a day believed to invite wealth, health, and good luck into our lives.
The Word Dhanteras
The word, Dhanteras, is a combination of the two Sanskrit words, dhana, meaning wealth, and teras, meaning the thirteenth day. Dhanteras is celebrated on the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in the Hindu religion month of Kartik.
According to the Hindu religion, Dhanteras goes beyond simply gold and money. Dhanteras is about, prosperity, happiness, and well-being. Worship is performed for Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health and Ayurveda, the doctor of the heavenly gods and mortals. They symbolize the two most relevant components of our lives, wealth and health.
The Legend of Dhanteras
There are numerous charming stories behind Dhanteras, but one of the most famous legends is the story of King Hima’s son. As per the story, King Hima’s son was foretold to die on the fourth day of his marriage because of a snake bite.
His clever wife saved him by lighting lamps, decorating the house with gems and coins, and keeping him awake with stories and songs all night. When Lord Yama, the personification of death, came to take him, the glare of the lamp blinded him and he turned around.
This is why, as well as celebrating Dhanteras, people light lamps (diyas) and purchase metal in all forms, which now symbolizes protection and good fortune.
Rituals and Traditions
Dhanteras begins with people cleaning and decorating their homes. People believe that Goddess Lakshmi only visits homes that are clean, and auspicious with positive energy, and wherever the home is decorated with Rangolis, flowers and rows of clay lamps.
In the evening, families perform Puja for Goddess Lakshmi and Dhanvantari to pray for wealth, healthy and happy life. Many worship Lord Kubera who is God of riches to attract wealth.
There is a special ceremony of lighting 13 diyas (oil lamps) at night. The diyas are placed at different positions around the house or on the porch, especially at main entrance to welcome all divine blessings and ward off negating energies in the space.
A Day for New Beginnings
Dhanteras is one of the most favorable days in which to buy something new. People will buy gold, silver, coins, jewelry, utensils, new vehicles and electronics. Buying something valuable on this day is believed to increase one’s wealth.
In recent years, many families have also begun to buy items of health and wellness like fitness equipment and health insurance as well. This connects the blessings of the day again not only to money, but also to a healthy life. This is a modern way of supporting Lord Dhanvantari.
Dhanteras and Well-Being: The Grace of Lord Dhanvantari
While one of the traditional meanings of Dhanteras is about wealth. Yet, the spiritual meaning of Dhanteras indicates that health is important too. Lord Dhanvantari, who was born out of the ocean during the Samudra Manthan (the churning of the ocean), is said to have brought with him immortality, as well as the science of Ayurveda.
On the day of Dhanteras, people pray for freedom from sickness, good energy, and long life. Many people participate in holy worship with offerings of fruit, herbs, and pure ghee; healthy well-being is prosperity.
The Glow of Optimism and Hope
As the sun sets on Dhanteras and diyas illuminate the evening light, the air fills with warmth and joy. Streets sparkle with lights, markets bounce with ikat shoppers, and homes light up with meaningful decor. The shouts and laughter of family members, the aroma of sweets, and the echoes of prayer make for a magical evening.
Dhanteras teaches us, however, that wealth is more than just gold; wealth is peace of mind, wellness, and togetherness with community. It helps us share blessings with the world and to be forever grateful for what we have.
A Festival for Future Generations
In our contemporary world, Dhanteras is also a celebration of sustainable wealth. People are beginning to choose environmentally-friendly diyas or lights that save electricity, or gifts made from renewable and green materials, instead of decorations made from plastic. These small (yet powerful) changes respect the essence of the festival while doing so in a way that protects the environment and planet for future generations.
By celebrating in an environmentally friendly manner, we are not only inviting health and wealth into our lives, but we are also doing our part to keep our planet healthy.
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