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क्षण भर प्रतीक्षा करें
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क्षण भर प्रतीक्षा करें
Kartik • Krishna Paksha • Trayodashi
Day 1 of Diwali — the worship of Lakshmi, Kuber and Dhanvantari for wealth, health and prosperity.
Date for this festival is not yet available. Please check back later.
Dhanteras opens the 5-day Diwali festival. It celebrates wealth in its broadest sense — material (Lakshmi), wisdom in resource management (Kuber, the divine treasurer), and bodily wealth (Dhanvantari, health). Buying gold, silver, utensils, electronics or any new item on Dhanteras is believed to multiply many-fold by Diwali. Indian markets see their highest single-day sales of the year — gold, automobiles, utensils and brooms (a Lakshmi symbol).
Dhanteras has two foundational stories. First, Lord Dhanvantari — the divine physician and avatar of Vishnu — emerged from the Samudra Manthan on this day, holding the kalash of Amrita (nectar of immortality). The Indian medical tradition observes this as National Ayurveda Day. Second, the legend of King Hima's 16-year-old son: prophecied to die of snakebite on the 4th night of marriage, his bride piled all the gold and silver of the household at the bedroom door and lit lamps everywhere. Yamaraja, blinded by the brilliance, could not enter — and the prince was saved. Hence the tradition of buying gold/silver and lighting lamps on Dhanteras.
Presiding Deity:Lakshmi, Kuber, Dhanvantari
Buy gold, silver, copper or steel utensils — even a small purchase symbolises wealth-multiplication. Avoid iron, plastic, glass, and sharp objects (knives, scissors).
Buy a new broom (jhadu) — Lakshmi enters with cleanliness; the new broom is treated as her vahana on Dhanteras.
Light a 'Yam Deepak' (lamp for Yama) at the main door at sunset, facing south — the only day when a south-facing lamp is auspicious. Use a 4-wick mustard-oil diya.
Perform Lakshmi-Kuber-Dhanvantari puja in the evening (Pradosh Kaal). Place new purchases (especially gold/silver) at the altar; offer kheel-batashe, lotus, sweets.
Clean and decorate the entire home — Lakshmi pratistha begins on Dhanteras. Draw rangoli at all entrances with footprints leading inward.
Donate or worship at an Ayurveda institution. Take a teaspoon of Amrita-symbolic herbal preparation (giloy, tulsi).
Recite Sri Suktam, Kuber Mantra ('Om Yakshaaya Kuberaaya...'), and Dhanvantari Mantra ('Om Namo Bhagavate Dhanvantraye...').
When is Dhanteras in 2026?
Dhanteras 2026 is on TBA — Kartik Krishna Trayodashi. Diwali follows two days later on Amavasya. The purchase and Lakshmi-Kuber-Dhanvantari puja muhurats are in the evening; check city-specific timings.
Is it mandatory to buy gold on Dhanteras?
No — the symbolism is wealth-acquisition in any form. A small silver coin, a copper kalash, even a brass utensil or a new broom carries the same blessing. The intent (sankalp) of inviting Lakshmi into the home is what matters, not the item's monetary value.
Why is a south-facing Yam Deepak only lit on Dhanteras?
South is Yama's direction (Yamya disha) — normally avoided as it invites the influence of death. But on Dhanteras night, lighting a lamp facing south is a symbolic prayer to Yama for protection from premature death (akala mrityu) — based on the Hima legend. The lamp is offered respectfully, not casually.
Why is Dhanvantari worshipped on Dhanteras?
Dhanvantari, an avatar of Vishnu, is the divine physician who emerged from the Samudra Manthan on this very day, holding the Amrita kalash. He is the originator of Ayurveda. Health is the foremost wealth — hence his worship on Dhanteras integrates physical wellbeing into the wealth festival. The Government of India observes this day as National Ayurveda Day.
What is the correct order of the 5-day Diwali festival?
Day 1: Dhanteras (wealth, health). Day 2: Naraka Chaturdashi / Choti Diwali (Krishna's victory over Narakasura — abhyanga snan). Day 3: Diwali / Lakshmi Pujan (the main festival, on Amavasya). Day 4: Govardhan Puja / Annakut (Krishna lifts Govardhan — feast of 56 dishes). Day 5: Bhai Dooj (sister-brother bond, parallel to Raksha Bandhan).
Diwali (Deepavali)
The festival of lights — celebrating the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya.
Akshaya Tritiya
The day whose virtue never diminishes — most auspicious for new beginnings, gold purchase, and charity.
Karva Chauth
The fasting vow observed by married women from sunrise until moonrise — for the longevity, health and prosperity of their husbands.
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This page updates automatically every year.