Dhanteras 2025: Date, Legends, Rituals & Regional Traditions
Date:
October 18, 2025 (Saturday)
Tithi: Krishna Paksha Trayodashi, Kartik Month
Also Known As: Dhantrayodashi, Dhanwantari Trayodashi
South India Calendar: Last day of Ashwin Month
Festival Context: First day of the five-day Diwali celebration
Significance
Dhanteras marks the arrival
of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. It holds special
importance for the business community, households, and farmers alike.
The day is also associated with Yamadeepdaan, honoring Yama, the
god of death.
Legends of Dhanteras
The Story of King Hima’s
Son
A young bride saved her
husband from a predicted snakebite death by:
- Placing gold, silver, and
ornaments at the doorway
- Lighting countless lamps
- Singing and storytelling all night
Yama, dazzled and
enchanted, left without harming the prince. This gave rise to the tradition of Yamadeepdaan—lighting
lamps to ward off untimely death.
The Legend of Dhanvantari
During the Samudra
Manthan, Lord Dhanvantari (an incarnation of Vishnu and divine physician)
emerged with a pot of Amrit (nectar of immortality) on this day,
symbolizing health and healing.
Preparations & Decor
- Homes and shops
are cleaned, renovated, and decorated
- Rangoli designs
adorn entrances
- Footprints of Lakshmi
are drawn with rice flour and vermilion
- Lamps
are lit throughout the night to welcome prosperity
Traditions &
Purchases
- Buying gold, silver, or new
utensils is considered auspicious
- Evening Lakshmi Puja with clay
diyas to dispel negativity
- Singing bhajans and offering Naivedya
(sweets) to the Goddess
Regional Highlights:
- Maharashtra:
Dry coriander seeds with jaggery offered as Naivedya
- South India:
Cows are adorned and worshipped as incarnations of Lakshmi
- Villages: Farmers honor cattle as their source of livelihood
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