Diwali days · Dhanvantari, Lakshmi, Kubera and Yama
Dhanteras
The first day of Diwali: a day to honour health and wealth, buy something new, and light a lamp for Yama.
Also known as: Dhantrayodashi, Dhanvantari Jayanti, Yama Deepam
Date and muhurat
✓ 28.6519°N, 77.2315°E · Asia/Kolkata
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When is it observed?
The thirteenth tithi (Trayodashi) of the dark half of Kartik by the purnimanta count (Ashwin by the amanta count), two days before the main Diwali night. The puja is done in the Pradosh evening, so the day is the one when Trayodashi covers it.
About Dhanteras
Dhanteras opens the five-day Diwali season. The name joins "dhan", wealth, with "teras", the thirteenth day, and the festival is also dedicated to Dhanvantari, the divine physician of Hindu tradition. Homes are cleaned and the entrances are decorated with rangoli and small footprints that mark the arrival of Lakshmi.
It is regarded as an auspicious day to buy gold, silver, brass or steel utensils, a broom or something new for the house. In the evening families worship Lakshmi, Kubera and Dhanvantari, and light a lamp outside the door facing south for Yama.
Significance
Dhanteras reminds that wealth begins with well-being: health is honoured before riches, which is why Dhanvantari, who is said to have carried the pot of amrit out of the ocean, is worshipped. Many Ayurvedic practitioners mark the day as Dhanvantari Jayanti.
Buying a metal object is seen as a way of inviting good fortune into the home, and the lamp for Yama expresses care for the family's safety. It sets a tone of thrift, gratitude and preparation for the days of light that follow.
Dhanteras puja at home
- 1Clean the house, decorate the entrance with rangoli and mango leaves, and bathe before the evening puja.
- 2Buy a metal item, such as a coin, utensil or jewellery, during the stated muhurat. Many also buy a new broom or salt.
- 3In the Pradosh muhurat, set a clean place facing east or north, and place images of Lakshmi, Ganesha, Kubera and Dhanvantari. Put the new purchase and coins or notes nearby.
- 4Light a ghee lamp, offer flowers, rice, kumkum, sandal paste, incense and sweets, and take the sankalp.
- 5Chant the Lakshmi, Kubera and Dhanvantari mantras, then do the aarti.
- 6After dusk, light a clay lamp with mustard oil at the main door or courtyard, facing south, for Yama (Yama Deepam), and pray for the safety of the family.
- 7Light more lamps around the house and share prasad.
The story
One tradition links the day to the churning of the ocean by gods and demons. Among the treasures that rose was Dhanvantari, holding a pot of amrit and the knowledge of healing, and he is honoured on this day.
A widely told folk tale concerns the sixteen-year-old son of King Hima, whose horoscope said he would die of a snakebite on the fourth day after his wedding. That night his wife heaped her ornaments and coins at the door and lit lamps all around, and sang through the night. When Yama came as a snake, he was dazzled by the glitter and music, sat listening and left at dawn without harming the young man. The lamp for Yama on this day recalls that story.
What to do
- ✓Buy something new, even a small item, in the stated muhurat.
- ✓Light a lamp for Yama at dusk, facing south.
- ✓Clean the house and decorate the entrance.
- ✓Worship Dhanvantari for good health along with Lakshmi.
- ✓Spend within your means; the spirit of the day is thrift, not extravagance.
What to avoid
- ✕Many families avoid lending or borrowing money on this day.
- ✕Do not buy iron or sharp objects like knives, as many families avoid them.
- ✕Avoid taking loans for shopping you cannot afford.
- ✕Do not leave the house dark after sunset.
- ✕Avoid anger and quarrels while the puja is on.
Around the country
- North and West India: markets are crowded as families buy gold, silver and utensils, and shops hold special puja.
- Maharashtra: some families lightly pound dry coriander seeds with jaggery and offer it as naivedya, and lamps are lit for Yama.
- Gujarat: traders prepare their account books for the Chopda Pujan on Diwali and for the new year that follows.
- South India: Dhanvantari Jayanti is observed in Ayurvedic centres and temples, and in Tamil households a herbal medicine called marundu is prepared on this day.
Frequently asked questions
Why is metal bought on Dhanteras?
It is traditionally believed that a new metal object, especially gold, silver or brass, brings good fortune into the home. The custom is also linked to Dhanvantari's pot, and carries no guarantee; it is a matter of faith and means.
Why is a lamp lit for Yama?
The Yama Deepam is a prayer for protection from untimely death, tied to the folk tale of King Hima's son. It is lit at dusk at the door, facing south, the direction associated with Yama.
Which time is best for the puja and shopping?
The puja is done in the Pradosh evening, and purchases are best made in the stated muhurat. The times on this page are calculated for your city.