Dhanteras 2022: Here’s why people buy gold on this auspicious day

Diwali celebrations start with Dhanteras. Also known as Dhantrayodashi, this is a festival of wealth and prosperity. The ‘Dhan’ of Dhanteras refer to wealth and ‘teras’ means the 13th day. This auspicious day is observed on the Trayodashi Tithi or the13th day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashwin.

The festival is celebrated with great pomp and enthusiasm. On this day people buy gold jewellery and new clothes. Homes are also cleaned. The five day festival that begins with Dhanteras ends with ‘Bhai Dooj’ (Brother’s Day). As per the Hindu lunar calendar, Drik Panchang, this year Dhanteras will be celebrated on both October 22 and October 23.

Dhanteras 2022 : Shubh Muhurat

According to the Drik Panchang the Shubh Muhurat or auspicious timing for Dhanteras on October 22 will be between 7:01 pm and 8:17 pm. However there will be some variations on the time depending on the city. Here is a list of various Shubh Muhurat in different cities across the countries.


Noida-7:00 PM to 8:16 PM

Kolkata-October 22 - 5:05 PM to October 23 - 6:03 PM

Pune-7:31 PM to 8:36 PM

New Delhi-7:01 PM to 08:17 PM

Chennai-7:13 PM to 8:13 PM

Jaipur-7:10 PM to 8:24 PM

Hyderabad-7:14 PM to 8:18 PM

Chandigarh-6:59 PM to 8:18 PM

Mumbai-7:34 PM to 8:40 PM

Bengaluru-7:24 PM to 8:24 PM

Ahmedabad-7:29 PM to 8:39 PM

Noida-7:00 to 8:16 PM

Gurgaon-7:02 PM to 8:18 PM

Significance of Dhanteras

On this day, Lord Dhanvantari, the Hindu God of medicine/Ayurveda is worshipped. According to the Bhagavata Purana, Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the Ocean of Milk during Samudra Manthan or the churning of the ocean. He held a pot of ‘amrit’ (the elixir of immortality) and a book on Ayurveda on the other.

On this day people clean their homes, discard old and decaying objects and buy precious metals and gems, new utensils etc. These objects symbolise utility as well as good luck. As Lord Dhanvantari is worshipped on this day, the festival is also known as ‘Dhanvantari Jayanti’. Lord Dhanwantari is worshipped through a special ritual known as Shodaschopra. The ritual includes 16 elaborate procedures.

Why do Hindus buy gold, silver and other precious things on this day?

Hindus believe that along with Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi, also known as the Goddess of Wealth visit the the house, to bring wealth, enhance income opportunities, business prospects as well as prosperity. Gold and other precious metals are considered as auspicious and harbingers of good luck and prosperity.

However there is a particular legend associated with the fervent buying of ornaments. According to the legends, once upon a time there lived a king called Hima. It was predicted that Hima's son would die on the fourth day of marriage from a snake bite. In a last ditch to save her husband from Yamraj, the God of Death, the prince's bride placed all her ornaments and jewellery at the door and lit lamps. When Yama appeared in the form of a snake to bite the king's son, he was blinded by the gleam of all the precious ornaments. It is therefore that buying precious metals and ornaments protects one's family from bad omen and ushers in prosperity.

Dhanteras 2022: Do's and Don'ts

Do's :

• Ensure you clean the house, before Dhanteras, as it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi does not step into untidy and unkempt homes. Lakshmi is described as 'chanchala' or restless. She will only stay in a home that's impeccably clean and where atmosphere is tranquil.
• Perform Lakshmi Puja in the evening.
• As Lord Dhanvantari is the God of medicine, you can also provide some basic medical supplies to the poor and needy, free of cost.
• Light your homes with diyas, candles. Decorate it with rangolis.

Don'ts:

• Avoid purchasing sharp objects like knives.
• Stay away from non-vegetarian or tamsik food like meat, garlic, onion etc.
• Don't lend or borrow money.
• Ensure each corner of your house is well-lit. Don't leave any corner dark.
• Don't buy any object made from iron or steel. Opt for copper and brass utensils.