Dhanteras 2025: Consuming these 6 sacred foods on this day is believed to bring in good luck and prosperity

Festivals are not just about vibrant colour and customs, but also about food and abundance. Every festival has its own set of foods and bhogs, which are backed by mythology and science. Dhanteras is no exception. This year the auspicious festival of Dhanteras will be celebrated on 18 October. Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, marks the first day of the five-day Diwali festival in India. It falls on the thirteenth day (Trayodashi) of the Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik. The word “Dhanteras” comes from ‘Dhan’ meaning wealth and ‘Teras’ meaning the thirteenth day. On this day, people worship Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda and health, as well as Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. It’s considered highly auspicious to buy gold, silver, or new utensils, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity for the coming year. Homes are cleaned and decorated with lamps and rangoli to welcome divine blessings. The traditional beliefs suggest that the celebration of the festival is incomplete without some of the sacred foods that are offered to Goddess Lakshmi along with precious metals like gold or silver. Here are some of the sacred foods that are offered on this day to bring good luck and prosperity.

Made with rice, sugar, milk and nuts, this creamy treat is believed to be one of Goddess Lakshmi’s favourites and is a must-have bhog on Dhanteras.

In Maharashtra, Naivedya is offered to Maa Lakshmi on Dhanteras. It is a mixture prepared by mixing crushed dry coriander seeds with jaggery and is said to attract prosperity.

It is made with the first harvest of rice and offering the first produce of this rice in the form of Kheel batashe makes it special. It is believed that eating this brings in good fortune. (Image: Instagram/doordarshanmemories)

On this day, Boondi Laddoos are offered as bhog to Lord Ganesha and consumption of laddoos as prasad is believed to bring good luck and seek Lord Ganesha’s blessings too.

This holy drink is a combination of five ingredients including curd, milk, ghee, honey, and sugar. Each of the five ingredients has a special significance, wherein honey signifies unity, milk stands for purity, sugar for bliss, curd for prosperity and strength in the form of ghee.

Made with flour, ghee, sugar syrup, and nuts, this dessert is served to Goddess Lakshmi on Dhanteras and is considered a sign of good luck.

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