As autumn arrives, it is the festival season for the Hindu communities across the United States and Canada. The festivities are about to kick in with Dhanteras. This Hindu festival marks the onset of Diwali celebrations. Also known as Dhantrayodashi, on this day, devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera. Here’s everything you need to know about Dhanteras, the dates, significance, puja muhurat, and more.
What is Dhanteras?
Dhanteras is a Hindu festival, which marks the start of the five-day Diwali celebrations. The name Dhanteras is derived from ‘Dhan’, which means wealth, and ‘Teras,’ signifies the 13th day of the lunar fortnight. It falls on the Trayodashi Tithi (thirteenth day) of Shukla Paksha in the Kartik month, and aligns with the Krishna Paksha. Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera, and seek blessings for wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. On this occasion, people decorate diyas and lights.
When is Dhanteras in 2025?
Dhanteras falls on Saturday, Oct 18, in India, according to Drik Panchang. In the US, Dhanteras is celebrated on the same day, Oct. 18, however, the puja muhurat and Tithi differ.Dhanteras Puja Muhurat: 07:25 PM to 08:47 PMDuration: 01 Hour 22 MinsYama Deepam on Saturday, October 18, 2025Pradosh Kaal: 06:11 PM to 08:47 PMVrishabha Kaal: 07:25 PM to 09:14 PMThe Trayodashi Tithi starts at 02:48 AM on Oct 18, 2025, and ends at 04:21 AM on Oct 19, 2025.In Toronto, Canada, the puja timings are as follows:Dhanteras Puja on Saturday, October 18, 2025Dhanteras Puja Muhurat: 07:39 PM to 09:06 PMDuration: 01 Hour 27 MinsYama Deepam on Saturday, October 18, 2025Pradosh Kaal: 06:29 PM to 09:06 PMVrishabha Kaal: 07:39 PM to 09:25 PMTrayodashi Tithi begins: 02:48 AM on Oct 18, 2025Trayodashi Tithi ends: 04:21 AM on Oct 19, 2025
Significance of Dhanteras
Devotees offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera. Lord Dhanvantari, the deity of Ayurveda and healer of the gods, is also worshipped on the day. Another popular belief is that the door of heaven opens on Dhanteras. People light a lamp for Yamraj, the god of death. This custom, known as Yamadeepdaan, is said to ward off untimely death and bring long life, ensuring a blessed passage for a soul. Dhanteras is considered as an auspicious occasion to buy gold, silver, gadgets, Lakshmi and Ganesh idols, and kitchenware, among others. People avoid borrowing or lending money to anyone on this auspicious day. People also clean their house and decorate it with diyas and flowers to invite prosperity. As Dhanteras marks the first day of Diwali, people slip into new clothes, and the festival is observed with much zest.
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