As the festive season of Diwali draws closer, one question is lighting up everyone’s search bar — “When is Dhanteras in 2025 — on October 18 or 19?”
The answer may surprise you! Let’s decode the confusion and explore the meaning, legends, and modern spirit of this auspicious festival.
The Official Dhanteras 2025 Date
Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, will be celebrated on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
The confusion arises because Hindu festivals follow the lunar calendar (tithi) instead of fixed solar dates. The Trayodashi Tithi — the 13th day of the Krishna Paksha (waning moon phase) — begins early on October 17 and extends into October 18.
However, the most auspicious time for Dhanteras Puja, known as the Pradosh Kaal, falls on the evening of October 18, making that the official festival date.
Dhanteras 2025 Puja Timings and Shubh Muhurat
Here’s a quick look at the important timings for this year’s celebration:
| Event | Time & Details |
| Dhanteras Date | Saturday, October 18, 2025 |
| Puja Muhurat (Evening) | 7:12 PM to 8:16 PM (may vary slightly by city) |
| Pradosh Kaal (Evening Period) | 6:55 PM to 8:50 PM |
| Tithi Begins | Early morning, October 17 |
| Tithi Ends | Late night, October 18 – early October 19 |
While the tithi extends into the 19th, the ideal planetary and evening alignment for performing Dhanteras Puja is firmly on October 18.
Why There’s Always Confusion Between Two Dates
Every year, the dates of Dhanteras stir debate — here’s why:
- Lunar vs. Solar Time: Hindu tithis depend on the moon’s movement, not the 24-hour clock. Hence, they often overlap two English dates.
- Regional Differences: India’s diverse geography means that sunset and moonrise timings vary from city to city.
- Ritual Rule: Dhanteras is celebrated when the Trayodashi tithi coincides with the Pradosh Kaal — the sacred twilight window for worship.
So, even though the Trayodashi extends into early October 19, the true Dhanteras celebration and Lakshmi Puja will take place on October 18 evening.
What Is Dhanteras and Why It’s Celebrated
Dhanteras marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival. The day celebrates wealth, health, and prosperity — the three elements that form the foundation of a fulfilling life. The word “Dhanteras” itself comes from “Dhan” (wealth) and “Teras” (the 13th lunar day).
The Story of Dhanvantari and Immortality
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Dhanvantari, the divine healer and father of Ayurveda, emerged from the ocean during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) holding a pot of nectar — Amrit. This moment represents the birth of health, healing, and longevity, which are celebrated on Dhanteras.
The Legend of King Hima’s Son
Once, a young prince was destined to die of a snakebite on his wedding night. To save him, his wife placed gold, silver, and shining lamps all around their home and told him stories to keep him awake. When Yama, the god of death, arrived as a serpent, the dazzling lights blinded him, and he turned away. Since then, people light lamps and buy precious metals on Dhanteras to invite wealth and ward off negativity.
The Legend of Goddess Lakshmi and the Farmer
Another captivating story behind Dhanteras is the Legend of Goddess Lakshmi and the Farmer, which beautifully captures the connection between divine grace and human effort.
Once, Goddess Lakshmi convinced Lord Vishnu to let her accompany him on his visit to Earth. Lord Vishnu agreed, but set one condition — she was not to go toward the southern direction.
However, upon reaching Earth, the Goddess was enchanted by the golden glow of mustard flowers and the sweet scent of sugarcane fields in the southern lands. Ignoring her promise, she wandered south, plucked flowers, a nd even tasted the sugarcane juice.
When Lord Vishnu discovered this, he was angered by her disobedience and cursed her to spend twelve years on Earth, serving the farmer whose fields she had entered.
Goddess Lakshmi humbly accepted her punishment and lived with the farmer, helping him achieve great prosperity and abundance.
Twelve years later, when Lord Vishnu came to bring her back, the farmer — unaware of her divine identity — refused to let her go. At that moment, Goddess Lakshmi revealed her true form and promised to visit his home every year on the night of Dhanteras.
From that day onwards, people began cleaning their homes and lighting lamps to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, a practice that continues even today as one of the most beautiful Dhanteras traditions.
What to Do on Dhanteras — Traditional & Modern Rituals
Dhanteras isn’t just a day to buy gold or silver; it’s a celebration of renewal, prosperity, and gratitude. Here’s how you can observe it:
Clean & Decorate
Begin the day by cleaning your home, a symbol of clearing away negativity. Adorn the entrance with rangoli, lights, and fresh flowers.
Perform the Lakshmi Puja
In the evening, light diyas and offer flowers, coins, and sweets to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera, praying for wealth and well-being. Worship Lord Dhanvantari for good health and Lord Ganesha for wisdom and new beginnings.
Buy Something New
Purchasing metals, jewelry, utensils, or even electronic items is believed to attract good fortune. Even a small symbolic purchase — like a silver coin — signifies prosperity.
Practice Gratitude
Modern spirituality teaches that Dhanteras is also about appreciating what you already have. Take a moment to reflect on your blessings, your goals, and the abundance you wish to create in your life.
Dhanteras 2025: A Festival for the Modern Generation
For today’s youth, Dhanteras is more than a religious ritual — it’s a celebration of self-growth and mindful abundance. It’s about striking a balance between material progress and spiritual well-being.
Whether you’re buying your first gadget, investing in health, or lighting a lamp for positive energy — Dhanteras reminds us that wealth isn’t just about money; it’s about a prosperous mind, healthy body, and grateful heart.
Final Takeaway
- Dhanteras 2025 Date: Saturday, October 18
- Puja Time: 7:12 PM – 8:16 PM
- Meaning: Celebration of wealth, health, gratitude, and divine energy
- Youth Tip: Don’t just seek wealth — invest in self-improvement, positivity, and purpose
This October 18, as diyas flicker across homes and hearts, let Dhanteras remind you to welcome not just riches — but light, love, and new beginnings.
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Confused whether Dhanteras 2025 falls on October 18 or 19? Discover the correct date, puja muhurat, and legends — including the beautiful story of Goddess Lakshmi and the farmer — that make Dhanteras a festival of prosperity, health, and hope.
