When is Dhanteras 2025 in the UAE: Know date, time, muhurat and rituals

One of the most important festivities before Diwali is Dhanteras. Also known as Dhantrayodashi, the festival marks the first day of the five-day Diwali festival celebrated by Hindu communities across the world.

The word "Dhanteras" originates from two words, Dhan meaning wealth and Teras meaning the 13th day of the lunar fortnight. On this day, people worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and Lord Kubera, the god of prosperity. They seek blessings for abundant wealth and fortune. Lord Dhanvantri, the divine physician and Lord Vishnu, are also worshipped. A key ritual performed on the day is lighting the Yamadeep, where a lamp is lit for Lord Yama, the god of death, to ward off untimely death and ensure longevity. Families also buy gold, silver and utensils to welcome prosperity in the house and their lives.

Dhanteras will be celebrated on Saturday, October 18, with the muhurat extending into the early hours of Sunday, October 19. The Trayodashi tithi begins from 10:48 AM on October 18 and ends at 12:21 PM on October 19, according to Drik Panchang.

As per Drik Panchang, the puja muhurat for Dhanteras 2025 is from 7:20 PM to 8:19 PM. For those who prefer doing puja in particular kaal, the Pradosh Kaal begins at 5:49 PM to 8:19 PM and Vrishabha Kaal is from 7:20 PM to 9:17 PM.

Buying gold and silver is one of the most cherished traditions of Dhanteras. It is believed to invite Goddess Lakshmi into the home and ensure prosperity for the year ahead. The ideal timing to buy gold begins from 10:48 AM on October 18 and ends at 6:19 PM on October 19, 2025.

Dhanteras is a vital festival when it comes to rituals. The house is cleaned and decorated with flowers, craft hangings and rangoli in the morning along with food preparation for the puja. Most of the puja begins in the evening with prayers offered to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera along with offerings such as sweets, fruits, flowers and more.Then all the members of the family light diyas and place them in different corners of the house to welcome the goddess, wealth and prosperity. This is when the Yamadeep is also lighted.