Is Dhanteras on October 18 or 19 This Year? Everything You Need to Know
As Diwali approaches, one question that often arises is — Is Dhanteras on October 18 or 19 this year? The confusion happens because the Hindu lunar calendar, which determines festival dates, doesn’t perfectly align with the English (Gregorian) calendar. Let’s clear the confusion once and for all and look at the exact Dhanteras 2025 date, puja muhurat, and key rituals.
What is Dhanteras?
Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, marks the first day of the five-day Diwali festival. The word “Dhan” means wealth, and “Teras” refers to the thirteenth day (Trayodashi) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. On this day, devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Dhanvantari (the god of Ayurveda and health), and Lord Kuber (the god of wealth).
It is believed that buying gold, silver, or new utensils on Dhanteras brings prosperity and good fortune. Many people also clean and decorate their homes, light diyas, and perform evening pujas to welcome wealth and positivity into their lives.
Why the Confusion Between October 18 and 19?
Every year, Dhanteras falls on the Trayodashi tithi (13th lunar day). However, since lunar days don’t match our solar calendar dates exactly, the tithi often overlaps two days — in this case, October 18 and 19.
In 2025, the Trayodashi tithi starts on October 18 at 12:18 PM and ends on October 19 at 1:51 PM. Because of this overlap, many people wonder which day to celebrate.
According to most Hindu Panchangs, the auspicious Dhanteras Puja muhurat falls on the evening of October 18, which means October 18 is the correct and widely accepted date for celebrating Dhanteras in 2025.
Dhanteras 2025 Date and Puja Timings
- Dhanteras Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
- Trayodashi Tithi Begins: 12:18 PM, October 18
- Trayodashi Tithi Ends: 1:51 PM, October 19
- Pradosh Kaal: 5:48 PM to 8:20 PM
- Dhanteras Puja Muhurat: 7:16 PM to 8:20 PM
During this time, devotees perform Lakshmi Puja, light diyas, and offer prayers for wealth and well-being. The evening period, known as Pradosh Kaal, is considered the most auspicious time to perform Dhanteras rituals.
Why October 18 is Considered the Correct Date
Though the Trayodashi tithi continues till October 19 afternoon, the Pradosh Kaal on October 18 is when Goddess Lakshmi is believed to visit homes. That’s why the evening of October 18 is chosen for Dhanteras puja across India.
This timing ensures the rituals are performed while the tithi and the auspicious evening period coincide, making it spiritually powerful and beneficial.
Rituals and Traditions of Dhanteras
Dhanteras is not only about buying gold or silver—it’s about invoking prosperity, good health, and protection from negativity. Here are some of the most popular rituals observed on this day:
1. Cleaning and Decoration
Homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated with rangoli designs, flowers, and diyas. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi enters clean and brightly lit homes.
2. Purchasing Precious Metals
Buying gold, silver coins, or utensils is considered highly auspicious on Dhanteras. People believe that these purchases attract wealth and abundance.
3. Dhanteras Puja
In the evening, devotees perform the Dhanteras Puja. They offer flowers, sweets, incense, and coins to Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Dhanvantari.
4. Lighting Yama Deepam
After sunset, a small diya called Yama Deepam is lit near the entrance or in the south direction. It is dedicated to Lord Yama, the god of death, and is believed to protect family members from untimely death or misfortune.
5. Business and Financial Rituals
Many business owners open new account books (bahi khata) and seek blessings for profitable ventures. Some also start new investments on this day, considering it lucky.
Regional Observances
Across India, the way people celebrate Dhanteras can slightly differ, but the core essence remains the same. In North India, people buy jewelry and light diyas in the evening. In South India, the day is also associated with Dhanvantari Jayanti, honoring the birth of the divine physician who emerged during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean).
In Western India, especially Gujarat and Maharashtra, traders and business communities celebrate this day as the start of their new financial year.
Common Questions About Dhanteras 2025
Is Dhanteras on October 18 or 19 in 2025?
Dhanteras will be celebrated on Saturday, October 18, 2025, as the auspicious puja muhurat falls on the evening of that day.
What if someone performs the puja on October 19?
While the tithi extends to October 19 afternoon, the Pradosh Kaal (evening muhurat) does not. Performing the puja on October 19 is not traditionally recommended, as it misses the ideal time when Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped.
Will the date vary by city or region?
No major variation is expected this year. Across India, Dhanteras will be celebrated on October 18, though the exact muhurat time may differ slightly depending on local sunrise and sunset timings.
Spiritual Significance of Dhanteras
Dhanteras is much more than a day for shopping—it’s about expressing gratitude and inviting prosperity through cleanliness, devotion, and faith. The lighting of lamps symbolizes driving away darkness and negativity from life.
It’s also a reminder to value both material wealth and good health, as Lord Dhanvantari represents healing and wellness. Thus, Dhanteras teaches a balanced approach to life—where wealth and wisdom go hand in hand.
Tips to Celebrate Dhanteras 2025 the Right Way
- Begin your day with cleaning and decorating your home.
- Buy a small gold or silver coin, or even a utensil, to mark the day.
- Perform Lakshmi Puja during the evening muhurat.
- Light diyas and keep one special Yama Deepam outside your house.
- Avoid lending or borrowing money on Dhanteras—it’s considered inauspicious.
- Donate food or clothes to the needy as an act of goodwill.
Conclusion
To sum it up, Dhanteras 2025 will be celebrated on Saturday, October 18. The Trayodashi tithi runs from October 18 afternoon to October 19 afternoon, but the most auspicious time for puja is the evening of October 18 (7:16 PM to 8:20 PM).
So, if anyone asks, “Is Dhanteras on October 18 or 19 this year?” — the clear answer is October 18, 2025. Mark your calendar, prepare your home, and welcome Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari with devotion, prosperity, and positivity this festive season.
