Dhanteras धनतेरस
Falls on Kartik Krishna Trayodashi · usually October–November
Dhanteras is celebrated on Kartik Krishna Trayodashi, usually in October–November. It is considered highly auspicious for buying gold, silver, utensils and new items, symbolising the welcoming of prosperity and health into the home.
Dhanteras at a glance
| Falls on | Kartik Krishna Trayodashi |
| Usual month | October–November |
| Category | Diwali |
The story behind Dhanteras
Dhanteras (Dhanatrayodashi) opens the five-day Diwali festival. It honours Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods who emerged from the churning of the ocean holding the pot of amrita, and Goddess Lakshmi of wealth.
Significance of Dhanteras
It is considered highly auspicious for buying gold, silver, utensils and new items, symbolising the welcoming of prosperity and health into the home.
How Dhanteras is celebrated
- Buying gold, silver, utensils or a new broom
- Cleaning and decorating the home and drawing rangoli
- Lighting a lamp (Yama Deepam) at the doorway for protection
- Worship of Dhanvantari, Lakshmi and Kubera
Regional variations
Observed across India as the start of Diwali; in Ayurveda circles it is celebrated as Dhanvantari Jayanti / National Ayurveda Day.
Festive foods of Dhanteras
Traditional dishes prepared for Dhanteras include festive sweets and dry fruits.
Quick tips
- Buy metal or gold during an auspicious choghadiya
- Light the Yama Deepam at the door in the evening
Choosing the muhurat on Dhanteras
Dhanteras falls on Kartik Krishna Trayodashi. To choose an auspicious time on the day, open the muhurat planner for your city and check the day's choghadiya and the Rahu Kaal to avoid. For the exact date this year, see the panchang calendar, and for weddings or a housewarming near this festival, confirm the muhurat with a qualified pandit.
Hindu festival dates follow the lunar calendar and vary each year; regional traditions can differ by a day. For the exact date this year, confirm with your local panchang or pandit.
Common questions
When is Dhanteras celebrated?
Dhanteras falls on Kartik Krishna Trayodashi in the Hindu lunar calendar, usually in October–November. The exact Gregorian date changes each year — confirm with your local panchang or the panchang calendar.
Why is Dhanteras celebrated?
Dhanteras (Dhanatrayodashi) opens the five-day Diwali festival. It honours Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods who emerged from the churning of the ocean holding the pot of amrita, and Goddess Lakshmi of wealth.
How is Dhanteras observed?
Common observances include Buying gold, silver, utensils or a new broom; Cleaning and decorating the home and drawing rangoli; Lighting a lamp (Yama Deepam) at the doorway for protection; Worship of Dhanvantari, Lakshmi and Kubera.
How is Dhanteras celebrated in different regions?
Observed across India as the start of Diwali; in Ayurveda circles it is celebrated as Dhanvantari Jayanti / National Ayurveda Day.
What foods are made for Dhanteras?
Traditional dishes include festive sweets and dry fruits.