Dhanteras 2025 will be observed on Saturday, 18 October. This is the accepted date across Hindu panchangs, even though the Trayodashi tithi technically extends into 19 October. This year’s festival marks the beginning of the Diwali celebrations, and devotees prepare early to perform the Dhanteras puja, invite Goddess Lakshmi, and make auspicious purchases.
According to the Hindu calendar, the Trayodashi (thirteenth lunar day) tithi begins at 12:18 PM on 18 October and ends at 1:51 PM on 19 October. The evening auspicious period known as Pradosh Kaal is from 5:48 PM to 8:20 PM on 18 October. Within this Pradosh Kaal lies the more specialized Vrishabha Kaal (Bull sign period), from 7:15 PM to 9:11 PM. The heart of the Dhanteras puja. i.e. the Shubh Muhurat is fixed at 7:15 PM to 8:19 PM on 18 October, spanning approximately 1 hour and 4 minutes. Different city-wise adjustments are also provided in local panchangs: for example, in New Delhi the muhurat is cited as 7:16 PM to 8:20 PM.
Thus, for those planning their Dhanteras rituals in 2025, the evening window around 7:15 to 8:20 PM is considered the most favorable time for performing the Lakshmi-Kuber puja, lighting diyas, invoking blessings, and making symbolic purchases like gold, silver, utensils, or other wealth-related items.
Culturally, Dhanteras holds layered significance. The name Dhanteras literally means Thirteenth day of wealth (Dhan = wealth, Teras = thirteenth) and is closely associated with themes of prosperity, health and auspicious beginnings. It is also observed as Dhanvantri Jayanti, celebrating Lord Dhanvantari (divine physician) as the healer and bringer of wellness. On Dhanteras, devotees worship not only Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber, but also Lord Dhanvantari. The festival thus blends aspirations for both material abundance and physical well-being. Moreover, Dhanteras traditionally signals the start of Diwali preparations — homes are cleaned, decorated, diyas are lit, rangoli made, and markets brim with shoppers seeking auspicious purchases.