Dhanteras

Bengali

Also known as: Dhanatrayodashi, Dhan Teras

Select Calendar Year

2026 Bengali Date

Dhanteras

About Dhanteras

Dhanteras is celebrated two days before Diwali, on the thirteenth day (Trayodashi) of the dark fortnight in Kartik month (October-November). It marks the beginning of the Diwali celebrations and is dedicated to the worship of Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda.

In Bengal, families clean and decorate their homes, light earthen lamps, and make purchases of gold, silver, or utensils, as buying on this day is considered highly auspicious. The tradition of buying new items symbolises the incoming of wealth and prosperity.

Lord Dhanvantari, who emerged during the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan) carrying the pot of amrit (nectar of immortality), is worshipped for good health and well-being.

In the evening, families perform lakshmi puja and light earthen lamps to guide the goddess of wealth into their homes. The entire household is illuminated with the warm glow of diyas.

Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules

Devotees observe a light fast and perform Dhanvantari and Lakshmi worship.

Step-by-Step Fasting Procedures:

Clean and decorate the house thoroughly.
Purchase gold, silver, or utensils as auspicious items.
Perform Dhanvantari and Lakshmi puja in the evening.
Light earthen lamps throughout the house.

Parana (Breaking Fast) Note: The fast is broken after the evening puja with traditional sweets.

Puja Samagri & Ritual Steps

Essential Puja Samagri:

Earthen lamps (diya)Dhanvantari idol or pictureFlowers and garlandsGold or silver itemsIncense sticks and camphorSweets and fruits

Puja Procedure:

Clean and decorate the house with lights.
Set up the Dhanvantari and Lakshmi idols or pictures.
Light earthen lamps throughout the house.
Offer prayers to Lord Dhanvantari for good health.
Perform Lakshmi puja and distribute prasad.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Who is Lord Dhanvantari?

Lord Dhanvantari is the god of Ayurveda who emerged during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean) carrying the pot of amrit (nectar of immortality). He is worshipped on Dhanteras for good health.

Q: Why is gold purchased on Dhanteras?

Purchasing gold or silver on Dhanteras is believed to bring lasting prosperity. The tradition symbolises the incoming of wealth and is considered highly auspicious.

Note: All timings are represented in 24-hour notation in local time of the selected location with DST adjustment (if applicable).

Hours which are past midnight are suffixed with next day date. In Panchang, a day starts and ends with local sunrise.