Dhanteras: History, Significance, Traditions, and Modern-Day Relevance

Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival in India. Celebrated on the thirteenth day (Trayodashi) of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik (October–November), this festival blends spirituality, cultural traditions, and modern-day practices. It is considered one of the most auspicious days for wealth, prosperity, and health, and millions of people across India and abroad observe it with deep devotion.

The Meaning of Dhanteras

• Dhan = Wealth

• Teras = Thirteenth day of the lunar fortnight

On this day, people worship Dhanvantari Ji, the divine physician and incarnation of Vishnu, who is revered as the god of health and Ayurveda. Dhanteras is not just about material wealth—it symbolizes good health, prosperity, and spiritual well-being.

Mythological Significance of Dhanteras

1. The Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean)

• According to Hindu mythology, during the Samudra Manthan, Dhanvantari emerged from the cosmic ocean carrying a pot of Amrit (nectar of immortality) and the knowledge of Ayurveda. His appearance on the day of Trayodashi established Dhanteras as a sacred time for seeking blessings of health and longevity.

2. The Legend of King Hima’s Son

• Another legend speaks of a young prince whose horoscope predicted that he would die from a snake bite on his fourth day of marriage. To save him, his wife placed heaps of gold ornaments, silver coins, and diyas (lamps) at the entrance of their home and kept him awake with stories and songs. When Yama Ji, the god of death, came in the form of a serpent, he was dazzled by the brilliance of the lamps and gold and turned away. This story gave rise to the tradition of lighting lamps and buying precious metals on Dhanteras.

Rituals and Traditions of Dhanteras

Cleaning and Decoration of Homes

• Houses are thoroughly cleaned and decorated with rangolis, flowers, and lamps to invite prosperity.

• Entrances are adorned with footprints of Maa Lakshmi Ji, symbolizing her arrival.

Lakshmi and Dhanvantari Puja

• Devotees perform Lakshmi Puja in the evening, seeking wealth and happiness.

• Many also perform Dhanvantari Puja or offer prayers for health, acknowledging the importance of well-being alongside prosperity.

Lighting of Diyas

• Clay lamps are lit at the entrance and around the house to ward off negativity and honor Yama Ji.

Buying Gold, Silver, and Utensils

• Purchasing precious metals on Dhanteras is believed to bring good fortune and financial growth.

• In modern times, people also buy electronics, vehicles, and investment assets like mutual funds and stocks as a way of aligning tradition with practicality.

Charity and Giving

• Acts of charity, especially offering food, clothing, or money to the needy, form an integral part of the festival.

Regional Celebrations

• North India: Families buy gold, silver, and utensils; in the evening, Lakshmi Puja is performed with grandeur.

• South India: Dhanteras is celebrated as Dhanvantari Trayodashi, with special prayers for health.

• Western India (Maharashtra & Gujarat): Traders close their old accounts and open new ones, marking the day as the start of the new financial year.

Dhanteras in Modern Times

In today’s world, the essence of Dhanteras has beautifully evolved:

• Instead of only buying gold or silver, people now invest in digital gold, real estate, and financial assets.

• E-commerce platforms and businesses offer Dhanteras sales and discounts, making it a shopping festival too.

• Increasing awareness around sustainable celebrations encourages eco-friendly diyas, organic rangoli colors, and mindful shopping.

• The message of health and wellness has regained significance, reminding people to balance wealth with well-being—true to Dhanvantari Ji’s teachings.

Why Dhanteras Matters Today

In a fast-paced world, Dhanteras is more than a ritual—it’s a reminder to:

• Cherish health as the foundation of wealth.

• Celebrate abundance with gratitude.

• Share prosperity with others through acts of kindness.

• Preserve cultural traditions while adapting them to modern lifestyles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why do we buy gold or silver on Dhanteras?

• Buying gold, silver, or even new utensils on Dhanteras is believed to attract prosperity and good fortune. It symbolizes inviting Maa Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, into one’s home.

Q. What is the spiritual meaning of Dhanteras?

• Spiritually, Dhanteras emphasizes the balance between wealth and health. It reminds us that true prosperity includes material abundance, physical well-being, and inner peace.

Q. Is Dhanteras only about buying gold?

• No. While gold purchases are traditional, people also buy utensils, vehicles, electronics, and real estate and even invest in financial products. The modern essence lies in making valuable purchases or investments.

Q. How is Dhanteras different from Diwali?

• Dhanteras is the first day of the Diwali festival, specifically dedicated to wealth and health. Diwali itself is celebrated two days later, focusing on the victory of light over darkness and the return of Ram Ji to Ayodhya.

Q. Who is worshipped on Dhanteras?

• Primarily, Dhanvantari Ji (god of health) and Maa Lakshmi (goddess of wealth) are worshipped. Many also light lamps for Yama Ji, seeking protection from untimely death.

Interesting Facts About Dhanteras

1. Dhanteras is considered the biggest shopping festival in India—jewelry shops, markets, and e-commerce platforms see record sales on this day.

2. In some regions, people buy brooms on Dhanteras, as it symbolizes sweeping away poverty and negativity from the home.

3. The day is also called Yamadeepdaan, where lamps are lit outside homes for Yama Ji to avoid untimely death.

4. Traders in Gujarat and Maharashtra mark Dhanteras as the beginning of their new financial year by closing old ledgers and opening new account books (Chopda Pujan).

5. With changing times, Dhanteras has become a global festival, celebrated by Indian communities worldwide, especially in the USA, UK, Canada, and Southeast Asia.

6. Beyond material wealth, Ayurvedic practitioners consider this day sacred for honoring Dhanvantari Ji, making it a celebration of wellness and healing traditions.

Dhanteras beautifully blends mythology, spirituality, and practical life lessons. It marks the beginning of Diwali not only with the promise of wealth but also with the blessings of health, happiness, and harmony. Whether you celebrate it with gold coins, a new utensil, or a charitable act, the essence of Dhanteras lies in invoking positivity and prosperity for the year ahead.

As we step into Dhanteras 2025, may this festival illuminate homes and hearts with light, wellness, and abundance.

Fuel our creativity with a cup of coffee! ☕️❤️❤️❤️