Dhanteras
NepaliAlso known as: Dhantrayodashi, Dhanwantari Trayodashi
Dhanteras
About Dhanteras
Dhanteras is celebrated on the 13th day of the dark fortnight in Kartik (October-November), two days before Deepawali. It is considered highly auspicious for purchasing gold, silver, and new utensils.
The day commemorates the birth of Lord Dhanwantari, the divine physician of the gods, who emerged during the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan) carrying the pot of amrit.
Homes are cleaned and decorated, and a special puja is performed in the evening. Rows of oil lamps are lit outside homes to welcome prosperity and ward off evil.
In Nepal, Dhanteras marks the beginning of the Tihar festival season. Merchants and traders worship their account books and tools.
Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules
Devotees observe a light fast and purchase gold, silver, or utensils for good fortune.
- Take a ritual bath and wear clean clothes.
- Purchase gold, silver, or new utensils.
- Clean and decorate the home entrance with rangoli.
- Light oil lamps in the evening.
Parana (Breaking Fast) Note: The fast is broken after the evening puja with festive food.
Puja Samagri & Ritual Steps
- Clean and decorate the home entrance with rangoli.
- Light rows of oil lamps outside the home.
- Perform puja to Lord Dhanwantari and Goddess Lakshmi.
- Offer prayers for prosperity and distribute prasad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Buying gold or silver on Dhanteras is considered extremely auspicious and is believed to bring prosperity throughout the year.
Lord Dhanwantari is the divine physician who emerged during the churning of the cosmic ocean carrying the pot of amrit (nectar of immortality).
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.
Recommended Pages
Comprehensive annual Hindu calendar with tithis and festivals.
Detailed month-wise view of lunar tithis and celestial events.
Marathi Panchang and festive dates for the year.
Gujarati Vikram Samvat calendar and festivals.
Telugu calendar and festive Panchangam details.
Tamil solar calendar dates and monthly Panchangam.