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Dhanteras is celebrated on the Trayodashi Tithi, or the 13th day of Krishna Paksha, in the month of Kartik, as per the Hindu calendar. This year Dhanteras will be celebrated on October 29.
On Dhanteras, Goddess Lakshmi is said to be visiting her devotees’ homes and granting their wishes. (Image: Shutterstock)
Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, marks the beginning of the Diwali festivities. The day is celebrated with the worship of Lord Kubera and Goddess Lakshmi. The day is also dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, the Hindu god of health, wellness and Ayurveda.
The festive day symbolises prosperity and wealth. It is believed that buying gold, silver and metal utensils as well as household items brings good luck. Apart from the religious significance, the day is also marked by rich cultural practices and traditions in different parts across India. Many Ayurveda doctors also worship Lord Dhanvantari on this day.
This year, Dhanteras will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 29. Dhanteras is celebrated on the Trayodashi Tithi, or the 13th day of Krishna Paksha (Dark Fortnight), in the month of Kartik, as per the Hindu calendar.
Significance of Dhanteras in Hindu Culture
Goddess Lakshmi is said to have emerged from the ocean during Samudra Manthan on the auspicious day of Trayodashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha (Dark Fortnight) in the month of Kartik. Lord Kubera and Goddess Lakshmi are both worshipped on this day for prosperity and wealth.
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It’s also believed that during Samudra Manthan Lord Dhanvantri appeared with Ayurveda text in one hand and Amrit Kalas in the other, on this day. So, for Hindu devotees across the world Dhanteras is an important day to seek blessings of Lord Kuber, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantri for health, wealth and prosperity.
Dhanteras 2024 Date and Muhurat Timings
This year Dhanteras will be celebrated on October 29. Check the auspicious timings:
- Dhanteras Puja Muhurat – 18:31 to 20:13 hrs
- Pradosh Kaal – 17:38 to 20:13 hrs
- Vrishabha Kaal – 18:31 to 20:27 hrs
- Trayodashi Tithi Begins – 10:31 hrs on Oct 29, 2024
- Trayodashi Tithi Ends – 13:15 hrs on Oct 30, 2024
Dhantrayodashi Muhurat in Different Cities
- New Delhi: 18:31 pm to 20:13 pm
- Chennai: 18:44 pm to 20:11 pm
- Pune: 19:01 pm to 20:33 pm
- Jaipur: 18:40 pm to 20:20 pm
- Hyderabad: 18:45 pm to 20:15 pm
- Gurgaon: 18:32 pm to 20:14 pm
- Chandigarh: 18:29 pm to 20:13 pm
- Kolkata: 17:57 pm to 19:33 pm
- Mumbai: 19:04 pm to 20:37 pm
- Bengaluru: 18:55 pm to 20:22 pm
- Ahmedabad: 18:59 pm to 20:35 pm
- Noida: 18:31 pm to 20:12 pm
Puja Rituals on Dhanteras
- On Dhanteras, Lakshmi Puja should be conducted during Pradosh Kaal, which begins after sunset and lasts approximately over 2 hours.
- The best time for Lakshmi Puja on Dhanteras is during Pradosh Kaal during Sthir Lagna.
- According to the Drik Panchang, the Dhanteras Puja Muhurat will be from 18:31 to 20:13 hrs while the Pradosh Kaal will prevail from 17:38 to 20:13 hrs.
- Devotees offer fresh flowers, fruits and sweets to Goddess Lakshmi.
- Small impressions of footsteps are drawn around the house to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.
- Before the puja, devotees clean and decorate their homes with lanterns and rangoli.
- Buying gold, silver and metal utensils on Dhanteras is also an important ritual. It’s believed that buying gold and silver on this day leads to affluence.
Things to buy on Dhanteras for good luck
Buying gold on Dhanteras is one of the most prevalent customs in many states.
On this day, people buy gold coins, bars, and jewellery in order to bring good luck and wealth. Buying metal utensils made of copper, steel, brass and iron is also considered auspicious.
As we make meals using utensils, buying utensils on Dhanteras symbolises life and sustainability.
When Is Diwali 2024?
- Astrologer Vinod Soni Pauddar from Bhopal provides important clarity on the ongoing confusion regarding Diwali celebrations.
- He explains that Diwali is traditionally observed on the night of Amavasya.
- This year, Amavasya Tithi begins on October 31 at 2:40 PM and lasts until the morning of November 1.
- Pauddar emphasizes the significance of performing Diwali Puja on October 31, noting that celebrations on November 1 are considered inauspicious according to Shastra Samvat.
Why is Dhanteras important in the Diwali festivities?
Various rituals are performed during the five-day Diwali festivities. In addition to Goddess Lakshmi, several other Gods and Goddesses are worshipped. Goddess Lakshmi is the most important deity during Diwali Puja.
Diwali celebrations begin with Dhanteras and end on the festive day of Bhai Dooj, which is generally observed two days after Diwali.
Traditional offerings and prayers on Dhanteras
On Dhanteras, Goddess Lakshmi is said to be visiting her devotees’ homes and granting their wishes. People light diyas (lamps) and leave them burning throughout the night of Dhanteras in honour of Lord Kubera, Goddess Lakshmi. Launch of new ventures, accounts and products is also another practice in many parts of the country as the day marks the Dhanvantari Jayanti.
To celebrate Lakshmi Puja, devotees decorate their puja chamber with incense sticks, diyas (clay lamps) and flowers. They serve fruits and traditional delicacies, including wheat flour-based halwa. They chant prayers, bhajans, and devotional songs in honour of Goddess Lakshmi and God Dhanvantari.
Celebrating Dhanteras 2024 with Family and Friends
Exchange some adorable Dhanteras presents with your loved ones on Dhanteras. They will remember the presents and cherish the bonds with family members.
No celebration is complete unless it includes good food. You can make some sattvik dishes and enjoy it together with your family and friends. Distributing food, clothes, or other essential items among the poor and needy is also considered auspicious on this day.
