About Dhanteras
Dhanteras, also called Dhanatrayodashi, falls on the Krishna Paksha Trayodashi of Kartika in the purnimanta calendar and opens the five-day Diwali festival. According to the Puranas, Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician and the deity of Ayurveda, emerged from the churning of the ocean on this day holding a pot of amrit. For this reason it is also observed as Dhanvantari Jayanti, and many remember it as a day to pray for health, which tradition calls the truest wealth.
Homes are cleaned and decorated, rangoli is drawn at the entrance, and lamps are lit in the evening for Goddess Lakshmi and Kubera. It is customary to bring home something new, often a metal utensil, a coin or a broom, as a symbol of welcoming abundance. Another old custom is Yama Deepdaan: a lamp is placed facing south outside the home in honour of Yamaraj. A well-known tale tells of a young prince whose wife kept him awake through the night with lamps and stories, and Yama, charmed, spared his life.
How it is observed
- Cleaning and decorating the home with rangoli and diyas
- Worshipping Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi and Kubera in the evening
- Lighting a south-facing Yama Deepak outside the home
- Bringing home a new utensil, coin or other auspicious item
- Praying for the health and well-being of the whole family
Dhanteras dates in past and coming years
| Year | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Tuesday, 29 October 2024 | Past |
| 2025 | Saturday, 18 October 2025 | Past |
| 2026 | Friday, 6 November 2026 | Next |
| 2027 | Wednesday, 27 October 2027 | Upcoming |
| 2028 | Monday, 16 October 2028 | Upcoming |
| 2029 | Sunday, 4 November 2029 | Upcoming |
| 2030 | Thursday, 24 October 2030 | Upcoming |
Dates are calculated from the Panchang for New Delhi. Some regions may observe a day earlier or later.
Across India
Celebrated across India
The same season is marked in many ways. Where a region keeps the festival on a different day, its calculated date is shown.
North India
Dhanteras
People buy gold, silver or new utensils, and a lamp for Yama (Yama Deepam) is lit at the door in the evening.
Gujarat
Dhanteras
Business families worship Lakshmi and wash coins in milk, preparing for the new financial year.
Maharashtra
Dhanatrayodashi
Diwali here starts a day earlier with Vasu Baras (cow worship), and Dhanatrayodashi follows with lamps and Lakshmi puja.
Ayurveda tradition
Dhanvantari Jayanti
Ayurveda practitioners and Dhanvantari temples honour Lord Dhanvantari, the god of medicine.
In the amanta calendar the same day falls in Ashvina; it is also marked as a day honouring Ayurveda.
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