Dhanteras, celebrated on the thirteenth day of Kaartik month, just two days before Diwali, is a celebration of health before wealth. It is a symbol of health and happiness.

What is Dhanteras? When is it celebrated?

As the festival season lights up every corner of India, one special day quietly marks the beginning of all the celebrations, Dhanteras. It’s that time of the year when homes sparkle with fresh paint, markets buzz with eager shoppers and a sense of excitement fills the air. But Dhanteras is much more than just a day for buying gold or utensils as it carries a deeper meaning rooted in faith, health and prosperity. 

It reminds us that true wealth isn’t only measured by what we own but also by the blessings of good health, happiness and harmony. Whether you’re lighting your first diya of the season or cleaning your home to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, Dhanteras is about inviting positivity and abundance into every part of life.

Why is Dhanteras considered as the glittering gateway to Diwali and the story of hope?

Dhanteras is often called the glittering gateway to Diwali because it marks the very first spark of the grand festival of lights. It sets the tone for the days of celebration that follow, filling homes and hearts with anticipation and joy. On this day, people clean and decorate their houses, light their first set of lamps and begin welcoming Goddess Lakshmi, the symbol of wealth and fortune. 

The markets glow with golden hues as people buy ornaments, utensils and gifts as a ritual that symbolizes not just material prosperity but also the idea of renewal and abundance. Dhanteras acts as a gentle reminder that prosperity is not only found in possessions but also in the energy of gratitude and preparation. It opens the door to Diwali, both literally and spiritually, by inspiring people to bring light into every corner of their lives.

Beyond its sparkle and shopping traditions, Dhanteras is a story of hope. The ancient tale of King Hima’s son beautifully captures this essence. According to legend, the young prince was destined to die from a snake bite on the fourth day of his marriage. But his clever wife refused to surrender to fate. She lit countless lamps around their home and placed gold and silver coins near the door to dazzle and divert the god of death. 

When Yama, the god of death, arrived, he was blinded by the brilliance and returned without harming the prince. This story, passed down for generations, teaches that faith, intelligence and light can overcome even the darkest destinies. Dhanteras, therefore, is not just about wealth as it is about believing that even in moments of fear and uncertainty, a small spark of hope and courage can change everything.

 

What exactly is Dhanteras?

Dhanteras, often seen as the beginning of the vibrant Diwali festival, is much more than just a day for buying gold or silver. The word itself comes from “Dhan,” meaning wealth and “Teras,” which refers to the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight in the Hindu month of Kartika. Traditionally, this day is dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, the divine healer who emerged during the cosmic event of Samudra Manthan holding the pot of Amrit, the nectar of immortality. 

This association makes Dhanteras not just a celebration of material prosperity but also of good health, longevity, and overall well-being. Families believe that by observing the rituals on this day, they can invite positive energy, safeguard against misfortune and create an atmosphere of abundance in their homes.

What makes Dhanteras especially special is the way it combines spirituality, tradition and a sense of hope for the future. According to ancient legends, lighting lamps and buying precious metals on this day is believed to ward off negative forces and attract wealth and luck into the household. People clean and decorate their homes, perform small rituals for Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and offer prayers to Lord Dhanvantari for health. 

Over time, these customs have evolved into a blend of devotion, family bonding, and mindful celebration. Even for someone not deeply religious, Dhanteras serves as a gentle reminder to start anew, invest wisely and appreciate the blessings of both health and prosperity.

 

When do we celebrate Dhanteras?

Dhanteras is celebrated according to the Hindu lunar calendar, which means its date changes every year in the Gregorian calendar. Specifically, it falls on the thirteenth day (Trayodashi) of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in the month of Kartika, just a couple of days before Diwali. This usually places it sometime in October or November, depending on the lunar cycle. The timing is not random as Hindu traditions attach great significance to the phase of the moon and the dark fortnight is considered ideal for certain rituals that invite wealth, health and prosperity. 

People eagerly watch the lunar calendar to know the exact day so they can plan their purchases, prayers and home preparations accordingly. The festival’s placement in the calendar also symbolizes the beginning of the Diwali festivities, setting a positive, auspicious tone for the celebrations that follow.

What makes the timing of Dhanteras especially meaningful is the belief that this day is perfect for attracting good fortune into one’s home and life. Families often start preparations in the morning by cleaning their homes, arranging new utensils, and buying gold or silver and acts thought to invite prosperity. 

In the evening, homes are illuminated with oil lamps and candles, creating a warm, welcoming environment for Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth. By celebrating Dhanteras at this precise moment in the lunar month, people believe they are aligning themselves with cosmic rhythms that favor growth, health and financial stability. 

 

How is Dhanteras observed?

Dhanteras is observed with a blend of devotion, tradition and excitement that sets the tone for the upcoming Diwali festivities. On this day, people start by cleaning and decorating their homes, as it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, visits only clean and welcoming spaces. Entrances are adorned with colorful rangolis, flowers and small clay lamps called diyas, whose warm glow is said to ward off negative energies and invite prosperity. 

In many households, the evening is dedicated to performing a special puja where prayers are offered to both Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health, symbolizing a balance of material wealth and well-being. Families gather together, light lamps and offer sweets and fruits as part of the ritual, creating an atmosphere of joy, hope and positive energy.

Another prominent way Dhanteras is observed is through the purchase of precious items like gold, silver and new utensils, which is considered highly auspicious. This tradition is rooted in the belief that buying metals or valuable items on Dhanteras brings good fortune and financial security for the year ahead. In certain regions, business communities perform Chopda Pujan, where they worship their account books to seek blessings for a prosperous financial year. 

Beyond the material customs, people also use this day to prioritize health by consulting doctors, starting wellness routines or purchasing health-related products, honoring Lord Dhanvantari’s legacy. Overall, Dhanteras is not just about rituals as it’s about combining devotion, preparation and mindfulness to invite wealth, health and happiness into one’s life.

 

What is the true wealth of Dhanteras?

While most people associate Dhanteras with buying gold, silver and other precious items, the festival’s true wealth goes far beyond material possessions. At its heart, Dhanteras is about valuing what truly brings prosperity into our lives as health, happiness and knowledge. According to legend, the day marks the appearance of Lord Dhanvantari, the divine healer, who brought the nectar of immortality and the wisdom of Ayurveda. 

This reminds us that real wealth lies in our well-being and the ability to live a healthy, fulfilling life. A home full of love, a family that supports each other and the mental peace to face life’s challenges as these are treasures that no gold or silver can replace. 

Moreover, the true wealth of Dhanteras also lies in cultivating a mindset of gratitude and generosity. When we celebrate this day by sharing with those in need, helping others, or even spreading kindness in small ways, we invite abundance into our lives that goes beyond monetary gain. The act of lighting lamps, cleaning our homes and performing rituals is symbolic of clearing negativity and making space for positivity, wisdom and spiritual growth. 

In today’s fast-paced world, Dhanteras reminds us that being wealthy is not just about what we own but about how we live with integrity, mindfulness and a heart full of gratitude. This kind of wealth such as health, happiness, knowledge and virtue is timeless and cannot be measured in coins or currency.

So, the next time you see the glitter of gold in a shop window on Dhanteras, remember the story of the clever queen. Remember that the real celebration is about illuminating our lives with hope, outsmarting the darkness of despair and investing in the timeless wealth of love and togetherness. It’s the perfect, hopeful beginning to the festival of lights.

 

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