Dhanteras marks the start of the five-day festival, Diwali. This year, it will be celebrated on October 18, 2025. On this day, people buy gold, silver, or steel utensils to seek grace from Goddess Lakshmi. Not only this, but food also plays an important role in representing abundance and prosperity. At this time, traditionally homes are filled with the fragrance of rich dishes that are prepared with ghee, dal, jaggery or gud, and some grains. Each dish represents the purity and significance of the festival.
From the sweet chana dal halwa to the savoury dishes, every dish represents good fortune as well as gratitude. Each dish carries deep spiritual significance. When combined, they make a wholesome Dhanteras meal which is full of flavourful, auspicious and uniting the family in taste and celebration.
Chana Dal Halwa
It is a rich, golden dessert which is prepared from roasted chana dal, ghee, as well as sugar. Chana dal halwa has a silky texture and nutty fragrance, which makes it a perfect indulgence for the festive season. Particularly prepared on the occasion of Dhanteras, it is offered to Goddess Lakshmi. The slow-roasted chana dal has a deep, caramelised taste and a melt-in-mouth texture, which is ideal for sharing sweetness with family and loved ones before the five-day Diwali festivities begin.
Poori And Aloo Sabzi
It is a classic must-have festive combo that is prepared on Dhanteras. Crispy, puffy pooris are paired with mildly spicy aloo ki sabzi that creates a comforting and satisfying meal, perfectly balancing the richness and warmth of the festive season. The golden colour of the pooris reflects the auspiciousness of the festive season, whereas the simple aloo sabzi gives a burst of aromatic flavours. Many households also prepare this meal as a part of the puja offerings. Garnished with fresh coriander, it has a tangy taste profile that awakens the nostalgic flavours of festivity.
Moong Dal Ladoo
Prepared by roasting moong dal and jaggery with some ghee, Moong Dal Ladoo represents auspiciousness and abundance. The ladoos are soft and grainy in texture, delivering a perfect bite of sweetness with a nutty taste profile. Preparing moong daal laddo is considered to be lucky in Dhanteras rituals. High in protein as well as energy, these ladoos are tasty and full of flavour.
Kheer
It is a classic festive dessert, prepared with rice, milk, and sugar, often prepared as a bhog during the festival of Dhanteras. Its creamy, thick consistency, aromatic flavour that it gets from cardamom, and garnishing of nuts and saffron make it a treat to relish. Symbol of purity, peace, and prosperity, kheer is assumed to bring sweetness in life. Enjoyed warm or chilled, it is a dessert that brings families together during festivities, turning every spoon into a moment full of joy.
Besan Kadhi With Steamed Rice
While many sweet dishes are prepared on the festival of Dhanteras, some savoury options, such as Kadh, add to the variety of the festive menu. Prepared with besan and curd, kadhi is a tangy, creamy dish that has a smooth, thick consistency, which is deeply satisfying. Piared with hot steamed rice, it is believed to bring warmth and balance to the festivities. Besan is considered auspicious, representing prosperity as well as good energy.