Happy Dhanteras 2025: The Meaning, Rituals, and Story Behind the Festival of Wealth
Happy Dhanteras 2025. The festive season has officially begun, and the air is filled with a unique sense of joy, light, and prosperity. Yesterday, on October 17, 2025, homes across India, including here in our vibrant city of Hyderabad, celebrated Dhanteras, the auspicious first day of the five-day Diwali festival. The twinkling lights from the diyas, the bustling markets, and the happy faces of families making their festive purchases marked the perfect start to the grand celebration of light.
But what is the real meaning behind Dhanteras? Why do we buy gold and new utensils, and what are the beautiful stories that make this day so special? Let’s delve into the heart of this radiant festival.
What is Dhanteras? The Festival of Health and Wealth
The word “Dhanteras” is derived from two Sanskrit words: “Dhan,” meaning wealth, and “Teras,” which refers to the 13th day of the Krishna Paksha, the dark fortnight of the lunar month of Kartik. On this day, Hindus worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and Lord Kuber, the treasurer of the gods.
However, Dhanteras is not just about material wealth. It is also the day of Dhanvantari Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Lord Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This is why the festival carries a profound message: health is the ultimate wealth.
The Beautiful Legends Behind Dhanteras
Two key stories are associated with the celebration of Dhanteras:
1. The Emergence of Lord Dhanvantari
According to ancient scriptures, during the Samudra Manthan (the churning of the cosmic ocean), Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the sea holding a pot of Amrit (the nectar of immortality) in one hand and the sacred texts of Ayurveda in the other. His appearance brought the divine knowledge of medicine and healing to the world. Worshipping him on this day is a prayer for good health and a long life for one’s family.
2. The Story of the Yama Deepam
Another famous legend tells the story of the 16-year-old son of King Hima, who was prophesied to die from a snakebite on the fourth day of his marriage. On that fateful night, his intelligent wife refused to let him sleep. She gathered all her gold and silver ornaments and piled them in a heap at the entrance of their chamber, lighting countless lamps all around.
When Yama, the god of death, arrived in the guise of a serpent, his eyes were dazzled and blinded by the brilliant light of the lamps and the glitter of the jewels. Unable to enter the chamber, he spent the entire night listening to his wife’s stories and songs. By morning, the auspicious time for the prince’s death had passed, and Yama had to leave without him. This story is the reason behind the tradition of “Yama Deepam,” lighting a diya to ward off untimely death.
Key Rituals and Traditions of Dhanteras
The celebrations of Dhanteras are marked by a few key traditions that have been passed down through generations.
- Shopping for Prosperity: The most famous tradition of Dhanteras is buying new things, especially items made of metal. It is considered highly auspicious to purchase gold or silver in the form of coins or jewelry. Many families also buy new brass, copper, or steel utensils for the kitchen. This act symbolizes welcoming Goddess Lakshmi and prosperity into the home for the coming year. Here in Hyderabad, the jewelry stores in areas like Panjagutta, Abids, and Secunderabad were bustling with families making their auspicious purchases yesterday.
- Cleaning and Decorating: Homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated to welcome the goddess of wealth. The entrance is adorned with beautiful rangoli designs, and small footprints are drawn with rice flour, symbolizing the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi.
- Lighting the Yama Deepam: In the evening, a single diya (an earthen lamp) is lit and placed at the entrance of the house, facing the southern direction. This lamp is lit in the name of Lord Yama and is a prayer to protect the family from any form of untimely death.
- Dhanteras Puja: In the evening, families gather to perform a puja. They worship Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Kuber. The newly purchased gold, silver, or utensils are placed at the altar during the puja to be blessed.
Dhanteras is a beautiful beginning to the festival of lights, reminding us to pray for both health and wealth, to cherish our families, and to welcome light and prosperity into our lives. As we move forward into the Diwali celebrations, we hope everyone’s home is filled with joy, health, and abundance.
Wishing everyone a very Happy and Prosperous Diwali season!