Dhanteras 2025: What makes it so special? Know Date, Timings, and Puja Muhurat

New Delhi: Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, falls on Saturday, October 18, 2025, according to Drik Panchang. It is celebrated as the first day of the five-day Diwali festival, dedicated to invoking wealth, prosperity, and good health. The key timings to remember for Dhanteras are: Dhanteras Puja Muhurat: 7:16 PM to 8:20 PM Pradosh Kaal: 5:48 PM to 8:20 PM Vrishabha Kaal: 7:16 PM to 9:11 PM Trayodashi Tithi Begins: 12:18 PM on October 18 Trayodashi Tithi Ends: 1:51 PM on October 19 City-wise Puja Timings: New Delhi: 7:16 PM to 8:20 PM Gurgaon: 7:17 PM to 8:20 PM Jaipur: 7:24 PM to 8:26 PM Kolkata: 6:41 PM to 7:38 PM Pune: 7:46 PM to 8:38 PM Why Is Dhanteras Celebrated? Dhanteras is celebrated to honor Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, Lord Kubera, the treasurer of gods, and Lord Dhanvantari, the deity of health and Ayurveda. The day symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the importance of wealth and well-being in human life. Diwali 2025: How can you keep your pets safe this festival season? Legend has it that on Dhanteras, Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the ocean during Samudra Manthan carrying the nectar of immortality, and people began worshipping him for health and longevity. Over time, the festival also became associated with buying precious metals, coins, and utensils as a symbol of auspiciousness and good fortune. [caption id="attachment_162842" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi.[/caption] What People Do on Dhanteras? On Dhanteras, devotees perform special rituals to invite prosperity and well-being. The puja vidhi involves: Cleaning and decorating homes with diyas, flowers, and rangoli to welcome positive energy. Praying to Maa Lakshmi, Lord Kubera, and Lord Dhanvantari for wealth, health, and prosperity. Buying gold, silver, gadgets, Lakshmi-Ganesh idols, and kitchenware, considered auspicious purchases. Businessmen decorate offices and hold special pujas to attract good fortune and success. Lighting a yam deepam to protect family members from untimely death. Wearing new clothes to mark the festive spirit and renewal. The day sets the tone for Diwali, making homes and workplaces ready for the subsequent celebrations, including Narak Chaturdashi, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj. Dhanteras: A Day of Wealth, Health, and Devotion Dhanteras is more than just a festival of wealth—it reflects the cultural emphasis on health, prosperity, and positivity. Observing the rituals and following the muhurat properly is believed to bring long-term blessings for the entire family. By performing the traditional puja, purchasing auspicious items, and decorating the home, devotees ensure that both their spiritual and material well-being are honored. This makes Dhanteras a significant beginning to the Diwali celebrations across India.