Dhanteras 2025: Check exact date, significance, puja time, and rituals to mark the beginning of this Diwali

Crores of Hindus are eagerly waiting to celebrate one of the most auspicious days of the year, Dhanteras. According to the Hindu Panchang, Dhanteras—also known as Dhantrayodashi—holds immense religious importance and signals the start of the five-day Diwali celebrations, which conclude with Bhai Dooj. Falling on the Trayodashi Tithi (thirteenth day) of Shukla Paksha in the Kartik month, the festival is associated with the worship of Lord Kuber, the deity of wealth, and Lord Dhanvantari, the god of medicine. But when will Dhantrayodashi, also known as Dhanteras, be celebrated this year?

Dhanteras 2025: Date and Muhurat

Dhantrayodashi will be celebrated across India on October 18 this year. Here are the Muhurat times for this year’s Dhanteras.
Trayodashi Tithi Begins: October 18, 2025 – 12:18 PM
Trayodashi Tithi Ends: October 19, 2025 – 1:51 PM
Pradosh Kaal: October 18, 2025 – 5:48 PM to 8:20 PM
Vrishabha Kaal: October 18, 2025 – 7:16 PM to 9:11 PM

Dhanteras Puja Muhurat: October 18, 2025 – 7:16 PM to 8:20 PM

Spiritual Meaning of Dhanteras

Dhanteras is a celebration of wealth, health, and prosperity, symbolizing the triumph of positive energy. The term “Dhanteras” combines Dhan (wealth) and Teras (thirteenth day). It is believed that on this day, Lord Dhanvantari emerged during the Samudra Manthan (cosmic ocean churning), carrying the sacred pot of nectar that grants immortality. He is thus worshipped as the divine physician, and praying to him is believed to bring relief from ailments. Devotees also seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber, praying for abundance and good fortune.

Dhanteras Rituals: How to celebrate the day

Across India, people mark Dhanteras by purchasing gold, silver, new vehicles, utensils, and household items, as it is believed to bring prosperity. Homes are cleaned and decorated with rangoli and diyas, symbolizing the welcome of Goddess Lakshmi. Worship during the Pradosh Kaal is considered highly auspicious, ensuring lasting wealth and harmony in the household.
Another important ritual observed on this day is Yamadeepam—lighting a four-faced mustard oil lamp and placing it in the southwest direction of the home as an offering to Lord Yama, the god of death. This act is believed to protect family members from untimely death and ward off negative energies.

With devotion, lights, and prayers, Dhanteras marks the joyous beginning of Diwali, the festival of lights and prosperity.