Dhanteras 2024: Rituals traditions celebrations across India and what to buy this year on the auspicious occassion

A highly auspicious and significant Hindu festival, Dhanteras is celebrated on the 13th lunar day of Krishna Paksha in Ashwin, one of the months of the Hindu calendar. This year it falls on Tuesday, 29th October.The name ‘Dhanteras,’ is known to be a combination of two Sanskrit words, meaning ‘Dhan,’ or wealth, and ‘Teras,’ emphasizing the 13th day.
People on this festive day indulge in the age-old ritual of buying gold and silver ornaments, vehicles, and utensils to welcome prosperity in life with their full belief and faith. It is particularly a sacred day for seeking the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, believed to be the goddess of wealth, and Lord Ganesha, the god of knowledge.
On Dhanteras, homes and businesses are cleaned and decorated with colorful rangoli designs to invite positive energy. Many light diyas (oil lamps) at their doorsteps to ward off negativity and darkness. Families also perform Lakshmi Puja in the evening, offering sweets and flowers to seek blessings for prosperity. This festive day marks the beginning of Diwali, bringing joy and a spirit of togetherness.

In Hindu mythology, Dhanteras is marked as the day on which Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean during the oceanic churning of the Kshira Sagar, popularly known as ‘Samundra Manthan.’ It was also on this day that the god of medicine, Lord Dhanvantari, emerged with the ‘Amrit’, known for its eternal purity, divinity, and immortality. And so, on Dhanteras, material wealth, health, and well-being are brought into the home, making it an immensely important day in Hindu culture.
Dhanteras 2024 Historical significance
Dhanteras has great historical, mythological, and cultural importance. It is known to be significant and celebrated for three main reasons associated with the mythology.
The first reason is the belief that on this particular day, Goddess Lakshmi came out from the Kshira Sagar, carrying a vessel full of gold and accompanied by Lord Kuber, the god of wealth. Both deities are honored during the festival.

Another extremely popular story suggests the legend of a prince who was destined to die on the fourth night of his marriage from the bite of a snake. To save him, his wife kept him awake by filling the room with bright gold and silver coins, singing and narrating tales. When Yama, the god of death, came as a serpent, he was charmed by all the gold and got distracted, so, the prince was saved. This wise decision becomes a mark of wisdom and love and has been remembered as Dhanteras.
The festival is also associated with Dhanvantari, the god of health. According to mythology, Dhanvantari emerged with a pot of nectar during the churning of the ocean for ‘Amrit’. Dhanteras is seen as a festival that brings good health and wealth, making it even more meaningful for people.
Dhanteras 2024: Preparations for the celebration
Early morning rituals
The day starts very early in the morning with a refreshing bath, which symbolizes purity. The cleaning of the house and, especially the puja area is important so that a sacred space would be created. This clean environment is believed to attract positive energy.
Dhanteras 2024: Home decoration
The decoration is the next step after cleaning. Bright flowers, colourful rangoli designs, and lights are used to create a welcoming atmosphere for deities. Decoration not only adorns the homes but invites divine blessings.
Setting up the sacred puja platform
Alter arrangement
Set up the puja altar in a clean and well-ventilated area. Ideally, it should face east or north. Place idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi prominently and you may include Lord Kuber or other deities whom you worship. Surround the idols with flowers, fruits, and sweets to make the altar full of colours.
Lighting the diya
A puja should start with the lighting of a diya containing ghee. It is believed to be a symbol of lighting up the darkness and darkness of ignorance. Then call upon the Lord Ganesha first, followed by chanting his mantra to remove the obstacles.
Performing the puja
Calling upon the deities
With the arrival of Lord Ganesha, it's now the turn of Goddess Lakshmi. Recite her mantra to seek her prosperity and abundance of blessings. It is essential to offer flowers, sweets, and fruits to these deities to devote themselves to the Almighty.

Conclude the puja with the aarti ceremony where diyas are waved before the deities. This act symbolizes reverence and gratitude. Share the prasad with family and friends, something that will share the sense of community celebration.
Dhanteras 2024 Rituals and traditions
Evening celebrations
Dhanteras is traditionally celebrated in the evening. It’s common to draw footprints leading into the house, symbolizing Goddess Lakshmi’s arrival. Families often purchase new utensils or jewelry on this day as a gesture of inviting wealth.
Dhanteras 2024 Offering sacred foods
At the time of puja, special offerings are prepared, such as Panchamrit and Naivedya, and sweets like Motichoor Ladoo and Kheer. These are all made available for the deities to feast upon, and subsequently shared with family members.
Dhanteras 2024 Celebrations across different regions in India
Uttar Pradesh and Punjab
It’s common for families to buy gold or silver jewelry, as it’s believed to bring good luck. Special prayers are conducted in homes and temples. People often invite priests to perform rituals for blessings. Dhanteras marks the beginning of Diwali preparations, with homes being thoroughly cleaned and decorated.


The day is often linked to Lord Dhanvantari, emphasizing health. Many people buy new kitchen utensils or items for cooking. Families prepare special sweets and dishes, with some even making dishes from new ingredients bought on this day. Homes are adorned with lamps, and many perform a ritual bath before the evening puja.


In Gujarat, people often hold fairs or community gatherings, with music and dance to celebrate. Merchants especially focus on starting new accounting books, marking the financial year. Elaborate rangoli designs are made in front of homes, often depicting themes of wealth and prosperity.
East India
Bengal and Odisha
In Bengal, the focus is more on Goddess Lakshmi, with families performing elaborate pujas. People often buy new clothes and sweets, exchanging them with neighbors and friends. In some areas, there are cultural programs and fairs celebrating local traditions.
Central India
Madhya Pradesh
People perform rituals to invoke blessings for prosperity, often involving the entire family. Specific local customs and traditions may vary, but the general theme of wealth and health remains consistent.
While the major theme of Dhanteras- - wealth, health, and prosperity remains constant, the way it is celebrated varies significantly across regions. Each area adds its unique cultural touch, creating a rich tapestry of traditions that enhance the festive spirit of this auspicious day.
See more: 50+ Happy Diwali Wishes, Greetings, Messages, Quotes and Images to share on this auspicious Festival of Lights
Dhanteras 2024: What To Buy, AvoidUtensils
On Dhanteras, it’s auspicious to purchase brass, copper, or silver utensils. Avoid items made of steel or iron. Remember, it’s believed that you shouldn’t bring home empty utensils; fill them with food or water first.
Broom
Buying a broom on this day is considered lucky, as it symbolizes the removal of financial worries.
Electronic items
If you’re considering new electronics, Dhanteras is a great time to buy phones, laptops, or music players, as these purchases are seen as fortunate.
Gomti chakra
Consider getting a Gomti chakra, a sacred sea snail from the Gomti River. It’s believed to bring success and protect against the evil eye, making it a special addition for Diwali puja.
Business ventures
If you’re planning to start a business or open a shop, doing so on Dhanteras is highly auspicious. Many people perform Lakshmi puja to attract good fortune on this day.
Gold and silver
For those looking to invest, purchasing gold or silver is highly recommended. Even a coin made from these metals signifies prosperity and financial stability.
In a nutshell, Dhanteras is a highly auspicious festival that brings together traditions of wealth, health, and prosperity. Whether through purchasing gold, silver, or sacred items, or through performing puja and decorating homes, the day is celebrated with full faith and devotion across India. It marks the start of Diwali and reminds people to welcome abundance and positive energy into their lives.
In addition to the well-known rituals, Dhanteras also highlights the importance of charity and helping those in need. Many people make donations to the less fortunate, believing that sharing wealth and resources brings greater blessings. It’s also a common practice to light 13 small earthen lamps (diyas) outside the house in honor of the day, symbolizing the drive away of negative energy and the welcoming of prosperity.This act is said to please Yama, the god of death, and protect the household from untimely death, further enhancing the day’s spiritual significance.
Dhanteras is also a reminder of the importance of financial planning and responsible use of wealth. The act of purchasing assets, such as gold and silver, reflects the commitment to securing a stable future. Families come together, not only to celebrate but to express gratitude for what they have. As an integral part of Diwali festivities, Dhanteras instills hope, happiness, and blessings, encouraging people to step into the new year with positivity and prosperity.