Dhanteras – Everything You Need to Know
When you hear Dhanteras, the Hindu festival that kicks off the five‑day Diwali period and honors wealth and prosperity. Also called Dhanatrayodashi, it falls on the thirteenth lunar day of the bright fortnight in the month of Kartik. Dhanteras isn’t just another date on the calendar; it’s the moment families light their first lamp, start new purchases, and pray for financial health. In a single sentence you can see three semantic links: Dhanteras marks the start of Diwali celebrations, Dhanteras encourages buying gold and silver, and Dhanteras involves worship of the goddess of wealth.
One of the most beloved side‑kicks of Dhanteras is Diwali, the festival of lights that spans five nights and celebrates the victory of light over darkness. While Diwali brings fireworks and sweets, Dhanteras lays the groundwork with a simple ritual: a puja dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, fortune, and prosperity. The puja usually includes a lamp (diya), a plate of sweets, and an offering of new metal items. This connection creates another triple: Lakshmi is worshipped during Dhanteras, and Lakshmi’s blessing is believed to guide the prosperity of the upcoming Diwali season.
Key Traditions and Modern Practices
Traditionally, people buy gold, pure 22‑carat or 24‑carat pieces that symbolize lasting wealth and silver on Dhanteras. The belief is simple: purchasing these metals on this auspicious day locks in good fortune for the year ahead. Modern shoppers extend the practice to electronic gadgets, kitchenware, and even automobiles—any new item that promises a fresh start. The pattern forms a clear triple: Buying gold on Dhanteras is believed to bring long‑term wealth, buying new items symbolizes a prosperous beginning, and these purchases are often sealed with a small puja to bless the investment.
Beyond shopping, the day starts early with the lighting of a deep‑oil lamp in the entrance of the house. This lamp, called a “dhandeep,” is said to attract the positive energy of Lakshmi. Families also clean and decorate their homes, believing that a tidy environment invites the goddess’s presence. The ceremony ends with the distribution of sweets like coconut laddus and the sharing of festive greetings. Each step—cleaning, lighting, offering, sharing—creates its own small semantic link: cleaning prepares the space for Lakshmi, lighting the lamp welcomes prosperity, and sharing sweets spreads the joy of the festival.
Now that you’ve got the basics, you’ll notice the posts below cover a wide range of Dhanteras‑related topics. Some dive into the cultural history, others share practical tips for buying gold or planning the perfect puja. Whether you’re looking for budget‑friendly ideas, want to understand the myth behind the goddess, or need a quick checklist for your Dhanteras shopping spree, the collection has something for you. Keep reading to explore each angle and make this Dhanteras the most meaningful one yet.
Gold Prices Surge to ₹12,540/gram Ahead of Dhanteras Amid Global Tensions
Gold prices hit ₹12,540 per gram on Oct 13, 2025, spurred by Dhanteras demand, Trump’s geopolitics warning, and Fed rate‑cut odds, impacting buyers across Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.