The lucky, the unlucky, and the just-can’t-ignore of Dhanteras.

Every year, as Dhanteras approaches, homes across India start buzzing with rituals, laughter, and let’s admit it a fair share of superstitions.

From buying gold to cleaning every corner of the house, families across generations follow certain “do’s and don’ts” that are believed to please Goddess Laxmi, the harbinger of wealth and prosperity.

But are these just old wives’ tales? Or is there a deeper meaning behind these customs that still makes sense in 2025? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of Dhanteras superstitions, some quirky, some logical, and some that have truly stood the test of time.

The Sacred “Do’s” That Promise Prosperity

1. Do Buy Something New - Especially Metal

One of the oldest Dhanteras traditions says you must buy gold, silver, or utensils on this day. It’s believed that bringing metal into your home invites wealth and good fortune.

Even if you can’t splurge on gold, many families buy a steel spoon, a brass diya, or even a silver coin, because it’s the act of welcoming prosperity that matters, not the price tag.

2. Do Light Diyas at the Entrance

As dusk falls, homes glow with rows of earthen lamps. Lighting diyas isn’t just about decoration, it’s a symbolic act to drive away darkness and invite Goddess Laxmi’s energy.

Many families place 13 diyas outside their home (since “terah” in Dhanteras means thirteen), signifying the triumph of light and positivity over negativity.

3. Do Keep the Main Door Open for Laxmi

One of the most common beliefs is to keep your main door slightly open in the evening, with lights glowing bright, to welcome the goddess inside.

It’s said that a dark or closed house discourages prosperity, so this simple act is seen as an open invitation to wealth and blessings.

4. Do Clean Every Corner of the House

Spring cleaning might sound modern, but it’s rooted in Dhanteras tradition. The belief is that Laxmi resides in cleanliness, and untidy spaces block the flow of abundance.

This is why you’ll find families scrubbing floors, rearranging furniture, and even washing vehicles before the big day.

The “Don’ts” That People Still Won’t Risk Ignoring

1. Don’t Lend or Borrow Money

On Dhanteras, financial transactions, especially loans are a big no-no. The superstition says that lending money drives away wealth from your home. Even modern-day families follow this rule strictly no matter how small the amount!

2. Don’t Throw Out Garbage After Sunset

This one might sound odd, but many households still believe that throwing trash after sunset on Dhanteras means throwing away your luck. So if you’re cleaning late, wait until morning to take that trash out, just to be safe!

3. Don’t Leave the Lamp Unlit

A diya that goes out too early is considered inauspicious. Families ensure their Laxmi diya burns through the night, symbolizing unending wealth and brightness in life.

4. Don’t Use Sharp Objects

Many traditionalists say avoid using scissors, knives, or needles on Dhanteras, it’s believed to cut off prosperity. While there’s no scientific basis, it’s a gentle reminder to focus on peace, not chores, during the festival of wealth.

The Modern Take - Tradition with a Twist

In today’s fast-paced world, Millennials and Gen Z are giving these customs a refreshing spin. They might skip buying gold but buy eco-friendly utensils, light solar diyas, or even purchase indoor plants symbolizing growth.

The essence remains the same: to attract positivity, abundance, and new beginnings, but the expression has evolved.

And that’s really what Dhanteras is about, intentions that sparkle brighter than any metal.

Why These Beliefs Still Matter

You might call them superstitions, but at their heart, these customs are gentle reminders to live with gratitude, awareness, and joy.

They encourage us to declutter, celebrate light, avoid negativity, and honor abundance, all timeless values, no matter the century.

Even science agrees: clean homes, mindful rituals, and festive positivity boost mental well-being, so maybe, just maybe, our ancestors were onto something.

Whether you strictly follow every rule or just light a diya and make a wish, Dhanteras is ultimately a celebration of hope and renewal.

So this year, buy that coin, light that lamp, and skip the broom after sunset, not just out of superstition, but as a way to keep tradition alive.

After all, in a world that changes every second, some beliefs are worth holding onto, especially the ones that make life feel a little more magical.