Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, is a popular Hindu festival. Falling on the thirteenth day, i.e., Trayodashi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartika, Dhanteras marks the beginning of Diwali festivities. The term Dhanteras is a combination of two Sanskrit words: Dhan, meaning wealth, and Teras, meaning thirteen. People celebrate this day by buying precious metals, utensils, and doing the Lakshmi Puja. It is considered a big and holy day to attract wealth and prosperity. 

The history of Dhanteras goes back to ancient times. It is linked to several mythological Hindu stories. Here are a few of them: 

• According to one legend, the history of Dhanteras is linked to king ‘Hima’. Hima had a son who was destined to die on the 4th day of his marriage. However, his newlywed wife decided to change fate. She did not allow the prince to sleep the whole night and both of them stayed awake while the wife kept narrating stories. She also laid out all her coins and ornaments at the entrance. When Yamraj entered to visit the prince, he was blinded by the lit diyas, gold, and ornaments. He climbed the pile and waited, but got hooked on the stories. This led to the passing of the death muhurat of the prince, and Yamraj left the place, sparing the prince's life.  

• Another popular story is linked to Lord Dhanvantari. He is believed to be the physician of the Gods and Vishnu's incarnation. People say he was born out of the ocean on the day of Dhanteras when the Gods and Demons churned the ocean during Samudra Manthan. 

Dhanteras is a festival of lights, decoration, wealth, and wellness. It is celebrated with unique traditions in every household. Here are some of the common rituals performed on Dhanteras. 

1. Cleaning the House and Decoration 

Before Dhanteras, people prepare to welcome Maa Lakshmi and Lord Kubera by cleaning and decorating their houses. You can decorate your house in several ways. For example, some people decorate their doors with flowers like marigolds, roses, etc. People also make colourful Dhanteras rangoli designs and light diyas in every corner of their homes. 

2. Shopping for Auspicious Items

One of the most well-known Dhanteras rituals is to shop for auspicious items. People buy gold, silver, new utensils, vehicles, electronics, and much more. It is believed that these items attract wealth and prosperity, and shopping symbolises growth and abundance. 

3. Dhanvantari Puja

Many people worship Lord Dhanvantari on this day, wishing for the health and wellness of their family and themselves. 

4. Laxmi and Kubera Puja

In the evening, families perform the Lakshmi and Kubera Puja as per the Dhanteras puja vidhi. They pray, offer sweets, and do aarti and bhajans. 

5. Lighting Diyas

People light diyas on the day of Dhanteras to drive away darkness and wish for peace and light in their lives. 

In 2025, Dhanteras is going to be celebrated on 18th October, 2025, according to the Drik Panchang. The festival marks the beginning of the 5-day Diwali celebration, which includes Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj. 

People celebrate Dhanteras for wealth and prosperity. However, its cultural significance goes much beyond that. It is about hope and gratitude. People also wish for good health and peace of mind. Several people also donate food, clothing, or other items to the poor and needy on Dhanteras, emphasising the spirit of giving. 

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