Dhanteras 2025, also known as Dhantrayodashi, marks the first and most auspicious day of the five-day Diwali festival. In 2025, Dhanteras will be observed on Saturday, October 18, with the main puja and muhurat taking place in the evening. The festival celebrates wealth, well-being, and prosperity through rituals dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera, and Lord Dhanvantari, the divine healer.
Dhanteras 2025: Meaning and Significance
The word “Dhanteras” comes from the Sanskrit words Dhan (wealth) and Teras (the thirteenth day). The festival traces its origins to the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), when Goddess Lakshmi emerged as the goddess of abundance and Lord Dhanvantari appeared with the Amrit Kalash, symbolizing everlasting health and vitality.
Besides gold and silver purchases, families clean and decorate their homes on Dhanteras, light diyas, and perform pujas to welcome wealth and positive energy for the year ahead.
What to Buy on Dhanteras 2025
Dhanteras shopping is symbolic, each item representing an invocation of fortune, purity, or positive energy.
- Gold and silver (jewellery, coins, or small bars): Buying gold or silver is the most traditional practice. Many families purchase a small coin or a piece of jewellery as a symbol of lasting wealth. If you plan to invest, consider certified hallmarked pieces and check current rates.
- Utensils, kitchenware, and appliances: New cooking vessels or upgraded kitchen appliances (pressure cookers, mixers, ovens) are popular because they represent household prosperity and daily utility.
- Electronics and gadgets: Laptops, phones, smart home devices, or appliances are commonly bought on Dhanteras as they symbolise modern prosperity and comfort. If you’re buying expensive electronics, look for festive offers but prioritise warranty and genuine sellers.
- Home essentials and furniture: A small piece of furniture or decor that elevates your home’s comfort and energy can be a meaningful buy. Think quality over impulse.
- Health-related purchases: Since Dhanvantari is the god of Ayurveda and healing, many also buy health-related items or medicines (non-prescription wellness products) as symbolic gestures.
- Coriander Seeds: Considered sacred to Goddess Lakshmi, seeds represent fertility and growth.
- Broom (Jhadu): A new broom made of bamboo or neem is said to sweep away negativity and misfortune.
- Idols of Deities: Lakshmi and Ganesha idols (preferably made of metal or clay) are purchased for worship and to bring good fortune.
- Charitable Gifts: Donating food, clothes, or money honors the spirit of gratitude and ensures blessings multiply.
With e-commerce booming, many families now opt for symbolic yet meaningful purchases, such as gold ETFs, silver-plated home décor, or eco-friendly diyas, blending tradition with financial planning.
What Not to Buy on Dhanteras 2025
Certain items are believed to bring bad luck or blockage of wealth energy and should be avoided.
- Iron and Steel: Associated with Saturn (Shani Dev) and misfortune; avoid tools made of these metals.
- Sharp Objects: Knives, scissors, or needles symbolize cutting ties and prosperity.
- Glass and Mirrors: Linked with negative Rahu energy and instability.
- Black-Colored Items: Black is connected with mourning and should be avoided.
- Plastic Goods: These lack auspicious value; natural metals or clay items are preferred.
- Oil and Ghee Purchases: According to popular belief, buying these on Dhanteras displeases Shani Dev.
Dhanteras Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step)
The Dhanteras puja unites devotion, prosperity, and gratitude.
- Clean and prepare: Thoroughly clean home and puja area; draw rangoli at the entrance and keep oil lamps (diyas) ready.
- Set the altar: Place idols/photos of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha (for auspiciousness), Lord Kuber, and Lord Dhanvantari (optional). Arrange a Kalash (pot) with water, mango leaves, and a coconut if you follow that custom.
- Light lamps and incense: Light diyas at the threshold and around the puja area (Yama Deepam at the door is a common practice). This is believed to invite Lakshmi into the home.
- Offerings (Naivedya): Offer sweets, fresh fruits, flowers, haldi (turmeric), kumkum, rice, and a little coin/gold if you bought one. Chant simple Lakshmi-Kuber mantras or recite an aarti (many households use a short, familiar aarti).
- Aarti and closing: Perform the aarti for Lakshmi and Ganesha; distribute prasad (the offered sweets) and keep the puja lamps burning for some time. Conclude with gratitude and a short prayer for health and abundance.
Dos & Don’ts: Quick checklist
In essence, Dhanteras 2025 is not just about purchasing precious items; it’s about welcoming light, prosperity, and health into one’s home and heart. Whether through gold coins, a humble broom, or charitable deeds, every act rooted in devotion on this day multiplies blessings throughout the year.