Pallavi Sharma
DHARAMSHALA:
Amid the festive season, a common question is creating confusion in households across India — will Dhanteras be observed on October 18 or October 19 this year and what is the right shubh muhurat to buy gold, silver and other goods?
With jewellers announcing festive discounts and families planning purchases of gold, silver and utensils, clarity on the correct date and time is a must.
Experts in Vedic astrology have now addressed the dilemma, confirming that Dhanteras 2025 will be celebrated on Saturday (October 18) despite the Trayodashi Tithi (13th lunar day) stretching across two calendar dates.
Why October 18 is the chosen day for Dhanteras
According to Acharya Om Prakash, a scholar in Sanatan traditions, the Trayodashi Tithi, the key lunar day that marks Dhanteras, will begin on October 18 at 12.20 pm and end on October 19 at 1.52 pm. However, as per scriptures, Dhanteras must be observed on the day when Trayodashi coincides with the Pradosh Kaal, the early evening period just after sunset.
“This year, Pradosh Kaal falls on the evening of October 18. Therefore, Saturday (October 18) is the correct day to perform Dhanteras puja and make auspicious purchases,” said Acharya Vijay Kumar.
Why is Dhanteras celebrated? The story behind the festival
Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival. It is traditionally associated with wealth, health and good fortune. On this day, devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kuber — the god of wealth — and Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Dhanvantari emerged during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean), carrying a pot of Amrit (elixir of immortality). He is considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the father of Ayurveda.
“Worshipping Dhanvantari is believed to bring good health and longevity. That’s why many also observe Dhanteras as National Ayurveda Day,” Acharya Vijay Kumar explained.
Rituals and dos and don’ts for Dhanteras 2025
On Dhanteras, households are cleaned thoroughly and entrances are decorated with rangoli, diyas and auspicious symbols like the Swastik. Here’s how experts recommend observing the day:
What to do:
Perform Lakshmi-Ganesha-Kuber-Dhanvantari Puja during Pradosh Kaal (early evening)
Light 13 lamps in honour of Lord Kuber, who is said to reside in the north direction
Offer white sweets to Kuber and yellow sweets to Dhanvantari
Place Dhan symbols or new purchases (gold, utensils, business tools) in the puja area
What to avoid:
Avoid making purchases before the Trayodashi Tithi begins (12.20 pm on October 18)
Do not leave your home dirty or cluttered, as cleanliness invites prosperity
Avoid arguments or negative speech as the day is considered extremely auspicious
Though popularly associated with buying gold and silver, Dhanteras is equally about health and healing. “Lord Dhanvantari’s worship reminds us that true wealth lies in good health. His four hands symbolise a pot of nectar, medicinal herbs, a conch and the sacred Ayurvedic text,” said Acharya Om Prakash.
