Every year the question arises: Dhanteras 2025 – is it on Oct 18 or Oct 19? According to the Hindu Panchang and reliable sources, Dhanteras in 2025 falls on Saturday, October 18.
The Trayodashi Tithi begins on October 18 at 12:18 PM and ends on October 19 at 1:51 PM.
Because the tithi (lunar day) spans into October 19, some confusion arises. But the primary Dhanteras Puja Muhurat is in the evening of October 18, during Pradosh Kaal, making October 18 the auspicious day to observe Dhanteras.
Muhurat, Time & Best Periods in 2025
Here are the key timings for Dhanteras 2025:
- Trayodashi Tithi: Starts 12:18 PM (Oct 18) → Ends 1:51 PM (Oct 19)
- Pradosh Kaal (evening slot): ~ 05:48 PM to 08:20 PM on October 18
- Vrishabha Kaal / Sthir Lagna (ideal time): ~ 07:15 PM to 09:11 PM or overlapping with 07:48–08:30 PM interval in many places
- Dhanteras Puja Muhurat (common window): 07:15 PM – 08:19 PM IST (in many cities)
- For New Delhi, the puja muhurat is 07:16 PM to 08:20 PM.
Puja Vidhi: Step by Step Rituals
Here is a concise Puja Vidhi (ritual procedure) you can follow or share on Astromadhupriya:
- Clean & decorate your home, especially the puja room and main entrance. Light diyas, rangoli, flowers, etc.
- Sankalpa & Ganesh invocation: Begin by invoking Lord Ganesha—offer flowers, durva, chant “Vakratunda …” to remove obstacles.
- Kalash & setup: Place a kalash (pot) with Ganga jal (holy water). Add coins, rice, betel nut, flowers.
- Invoke Goddess Lakshmi & Lord Kubera: Install the idol or picture of Maa Lakshmi and Kuber. Offer sweets, fruits, flowers, kumkum, haldi. Chant the Kubera mantra:
“Om Yakshaya Kuberaya Vaishravanaya Dhanadhanyapadaye … Swaha”
- Dhanvantari Puja: Since Dhanteras is also Dhanvantari Jayanti, invoke Lord Dhanvantari and chant “Om Dhan Dhanvantaraye Namah” 108 times (optional but recommended).
- Aarti & Diya Offering: Perform aarti and offer lit diyas (ghee lamps). Place the diyas in south / southwest facing direction (Yama Deepam) to ward off misfortune.
- Place new purchases: Items bought on Dhanteras — gold, silver, utensils, gadgets — can be placed before the deity and considered blessed.
- Prasad & distribution: Offer sweets or fruits as prasadam, and distribute among family.
Significance & Symbolism
Wealth & Prosperity (Dhan): Dhanteras marks the worship of Goddess Lakshmi (wealth) and Lord Kubera (treasure lord) to invite abundance into one’s life.
Health & Healing: Because Dhanteras coincides with Dhanvantari Jayanti, devotees also pray for good health, healing, and longevity.
Protection from misfortune: Lighting the Yama Deepam (lamp for Yama, god of death) is believed to guard from untimely death and negative energies.
Tradition of shopping & auspicious buys: Buying precious metals (gold, silver), new utensils, appliances, and household items during a shubh muhurat is believed to bring prosperity.
Start of Diwali celebrations: Dhanteras is the first day in the five-day Diwali festival cycle.