Dhanteras 2025: Why It Is Celebrated, Meaning, Rituals, and Why We Buy Gold & Silver

Discover the real story behind Dhanteras — its history, legends, spiritual meaning, and why gold and silver buying became a tradition that continues to shine through centuries.

Dhanteras : The Festival That Marks the Beginning of Diwali

The festival of Dhanteras marks the official beginning of Diwali, India’s most celebrated festival of lights. Falling on the thirteenth lunar day (Trayodashi) of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik (October–November), Dhanteras is a day deeply rooted in symbolism, faith and prosperity.

Across India, people clean their homes, light diyas, perform Lakshmi puja and buy something new — usually gold, silver or utensils. But have you ever wondered why this particular day is linked so closely to buying metals and wealth?

Let’s unfold the complete story — from its mythological origins and spiritual meaning to modern traditions and what truly makes Dhanteras a day of abundance and blessings.

What Is Dhanteras and Why It Is Celebrated

Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, is derived from two Sanskrit words — Dhan (wealth) and Teras (thirteenth day). It’s believed that worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari on this day invites health, prosperity and success into one’s home.

This festival also sets the tone for the five-day Diwali Celebration — followed by Narak Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali), Lakshmi Puja (Main Diwali), Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj.

While modern celebrations often focus on shopping and wealth, the roots of Dhanteras lie in two ancient stories — each teaching a valuable lesson about life, protection and prosperity.

The Legends Behind Dhanteras — Stories That Illuminate Its Meaning

1. The Story of Lord Dhanvantari — The Healer of the Gods

According to Hindu scriptures, Dhanvantari, the divine physician and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, emerged from the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) carrying a pot filled with Amrit (nectar of immortality). This marked the birth of Ayurveda, the science of life.

Thus, Dhanteras also symbolizes good health and longevity, reminding us that true wealth begins with physical and mental well-being. In many parts of India, people perform Dhanvantari Puja to honor health and healing — a beautiful way to begin the Diwali season.

2. The Story of King Hima’s Son — Light That Averted Death

Another popular legend speaks of a young prince, the son of King Hima, whose horoscope predicted that he would die by snakebite on the fourth night of his marriage. His devoted wife, determined to save him, kept him awake that night by lighting countless lamps, placing gold and silver ornaments around the room and singing hymns.

When Yama, the God of Death, arrived in the form of a serpent, the dazzling light from the lamps and the glitter of the ornaments blinded him. He could not enter the room and by dawn, he returned empty-handed. The prince’s life was spared.

Since then, people light diyas and keep bright decorations on Dhanteras night as a symbol of light overcoming darkness, and life triumphing over death.

Why People Buy Gold and Silver on Dhanteras — The Origin of the Tradition

Buying gold or silver on Dhanteras is not merely a shopping habit — it’s a centuries-old ritual rooted in faith, culture and symbolism.

1. Symbol of Goddess Lakshmi’s Blessings

Gold and silver are considered pure and sacred metals in Hinduism. They represent Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and abundance. Bringing these metals home is believed to invite her divine energy and blessings for financial stability throughout the year.

2. Ancient Indian Practice of Wealth Preservation

Historically, gold and silver were the most trusted forms of investment. Before banks or digital money existed, families saved wealth in the form of jewelry, coins and utensils. Buying gold during an auspicious time like Dhanteras symbolized starting the year with secure prosperity.

3. The Auspicious Muhurat Concept

Hindu astrology emphasizes that certain days and planetary alignments carry special energy for new beginnings. Dhanteras, being linked to both wealth (Lakshmi) and health (Dhanvantari), became an ideal day to make investments or buy valuable goods.

When Did This Tradition Begin?

The custom of buying gold or silver on Dhanteras began several centuries ago as a confluence of Lakshmi worship and economic practicality.

As trade and craftsmanship flourished in ancient India, goldsmiths, jewelers and merchants aligned their business calendars with Hindu festivals. Over time, Dhanteras became not just a religious day but also an economic celebration of prosperity, marking the start of the new financial season in many regions.

Even today, jeweler shops across India witness record sales on this day, showing that this cultural connection between faith and finance continues strong.

What Else You Can Buy on Dhanteras — Beyond Gold & Silver

While gold and silver remain popular, Dhanteras is also about buying anything new that symbolizes growth and positivity. Here are other items considered auspicious:

Utensils (especially brass, copper or steel) — They symbolize nourishment, purity and prosperity.
Electronic appliances — Modern families buy home appliances or gadgets as symbols of progress and comfort.
Vehicles — Many people consider Dhanteras an ideal day to buy a car or two-wheeler.
Home decor or furniture — Reflecting renewal and stability for the household.
Ayurvedic or health products — In honor of Dhanvantari, buying something related to health or wellness is highly symbolic.
Silver coins with Lakshmi-Ganesha motifs — Often distributed to relatives and employees as blessings for prosperity.

Tip: Whatever you buy, ensure it is something useful, positive and purchased with good intent — that’s the real meaning of the Dhanteras tradition.

Why Dhanteras Is the Festival of Prosperity and Wealth

The connection between Dhanteras and prosperity is multi-layered. Here’s why it’s celebrated as the festival of abundance:

Worship of Goddess Lakshmi: The goddess of wealth is invoked to bless households with prosperity and happiness.
Blessings of Lord Dhanvantari: Reminds us that health is the first form of wealth.
Victory over negativity: The lamps lit on Dhanteras symbolize hope, positivity and protection from misfortune.
New beginnings: Buying something new or making an investment is considered to attract stability and growth.

In essence, Dhanteras unites the spiritual and practical sides of prosperity — blending devotion, health, and wise financial habits.

How to Celebrate Dhanteras — Step-by-Step Rituals and Puja Guide

Celebrating Dhanteras doesn’t have to be elaborate. What matters most is sincerity and purity of heart. Here’s a simple way to observe it:

Clean your home and surroundings.
This symbolizes removing negativity and making space for positive energy.
Decorate your entrance with rangoli and diyas.
It welcomes Goddess Lakshmi into your home.
Perform Dhanteras Puja in the evening.
Place idols or pictures of Lakshmi, Ganesha and Dhanvantari on a clean cloth. Offer flowers, incense, sweets and light diyas.
Chant simple mantras or prayers.
Even one heartfelt prayer for good health and wealth is enough.
Buy something new or invest.
Purchase a gold/silver coin, utensil or something symbolic.
Distribute sweets or donate.
Sharing blessings amplifies them. Donate food, clothes or money to the needy.
Light diyas around your home at night.
This dispels darkness and is believed to please Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Yama.

Dhanteras in Scriptures and Spiritual References

While Dhanteras is more prominently celebrated through tradition and folk tales, its roots are supported by Hindu scriptures:

The Puranas and later retellings mention Lord Dhanvantari’s emergence during the Samudra Manthan, marking this day as the origin of Ayurveda and divine healing.
Texts dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, like the Lakshmi Tantra and Vishnu Purana, connect the goddess to wealth, purity and auspicious beginnings.
The tale of King Hima’s son appears in regional legends, emphasizing the protective power of light and devotion.

Together, these references establish Dhanteras as a day that blends health, protection and prosperity — a perfect prelude to Diwali.

Modern Significance — How Dhanteras Has Evolved

Today, Dhanteras blends ancient beliefs with modern lifestyles:

Digital gold, e-silver and online investments are becoming the new-age way of participating in the tradition.
Retailers and brands launch special festive discounts on electronics, cars and home goods, making Dhanteras one of the biggest shopping days of the year.
Health awareness campaigns also highlight Dhanvantari’s significance — reminding people to prioritize wellness as true wealth.

Despite modernization, the core essence remains unchanged – Dhanteras celebrates the eternal desire for prosperity, protection and gratitude.

Do’s and Don’ts on Dhanteras

Do’s:

Buy something new, even small — a silver coin, utensil, or household item.
Light diyas at dusk and keep one near your main entrance.
Offer prayers to Lakshmi, Ganesha and Dhanvantari.
Keep your home clean and well-lit.
Donate or share food as an act of kindness.

Don’ts:

Avoid borrowing or lending money on Dhanteras.
Do not buy black-colored items or anything considered inauspicious.
Don’t keep your house dark or cluttered — light symbolizes positivity.

Final Thoughts

Dhanteras is not just about shining jewelry or sparkling diyas — it’s about illuminating life with good health, wisdom and compassion. As you light your lamps this year, remember the deeper meaning – prosperity is best when shared and light is most beautiful when it’s spread.

So, may this Dhanteras 2025 bring you health like Dhanvantari, wealth like Lakshmi and peace like Ganesha.
Happy Dhanteras!

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Prashant

Hi, I’m Prashant Jain — a curious soul, storyteller, and content creator at heart.I’ve always been drawn to the world of entertainment, travel, sports, health & lifestyle — not just as a writer, but as someone who genuinely lives these experiences. Whether I’m binge-watching the latest OTT series, exploring offbeat spiritual destinations in India, or diving deep into wellness routines and cricket match insights, I love sharing what I discover with like-minded readers.
PopNewsBlend is my way of blending personal journeys with meaningful stories — ones that inform, inspire, and keep you ahead of the curve. Everything I write comes from real observations, hands-on experiences, and a deep passion for understanding the world around us.