Dhanteras 2024: Everything you need to know about rituals, auspicious timings and significance

The time for lamps, lights, festive cleaning, and shopping is upon us! Diwali festivities start with Dhanteras on Tuesday, October 29. Also referred to as Dhantrayodashi, this day is celebrated with great joy and devotion by many Hindus. It involves worshipping Lord Kuber, the god of wealth, and Lord Dhanvantri, the god of medicine. Additionally, buying gold or silver on this day is seen as particularly auspicious.
As Dhanteras 2024 approaches on October 29, here’s everything you need to know about the festival, including the date, Shubh Mahurat timings, and other key details.

Significance of Dhanteras

Dhanteras hold deep significance in Hindu culture, symbolising both wealth and well-being. Celebrated on the 13th day of the lunar calendar, the festival honours not only financial prosperity but also the birth of Lord Dhanvantri, the divine figure associated with health and medicine, highlighting the importance of both wealth and good health in life.

Dhanteras 2024 Mahurat timings

This year, Dhanteras begins with the Trayodashi Tithi starting at 12:01 AM on October 29 and ending at 2:45 AM on October 30. The best time for the Dhanteras Puja is between 7:27 PM and 9:16 PM on October 29. The Pradosh Kaal will be from 6:37 PM to 9:16 PM.

Rituals

Dhanteras marks the start of the weeklong Diwali celebrations, culminating in Bhai Duj. Families begin the day with cleansing rituals, such as bathing and deep cleaning of their homes, to welcome prosperity. Houses are beautifully decorated with flowers, rangoli designs, and glowing lights to enhance the festive spirit.

A long-standing tradition during Dhanteras is the purchase of new items—especially gold, silver, and kitchen utensils—as it is believed to bring good luck and prosperity into the household. Many families see this as a way to ensure wealth and success for the coming year. In the evening, they also observe the ritual of Yama Deepam, where a special four-faced diya with four wicks is lit to honour Lord Yama, the god of death. This act symbolises the removal of fear, negative energy, and obstacles from one’s life, seeking protection and well-being for loved ones. The diya is often placed at the entrance of homes to ward off evil and ensure a bright, positive future.

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