What Not to Donate on Dhanteras: Essential Guidelines

Dhanteras, an important Hindu festival preceding Diwali, is a time for worship and new purchases. However, certain items should never be lent or donated on this auspicious day, as doing so may invite misfortune instead of blessings. This article outlines five specific items to avoid giving away, including money, sugar, and salt, to ensure that your home remains filled with prosperity and positive energy. Learn more about these essential guidelines to celebrate Dhanteras correctly.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 13, 2025, 10:22 IST

Avoid These Donations on Dhanteras

Understanding Dhanteras: Dhanteras, a significant festival in Hinduism, is celebrated just before Diwali and marks the start of the five-day Diwali festivities. This auspicious occasion falls on the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Kartik. On this day, devotees honor Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi, often purchasing new items for their homes to invite prosperity and joy.

While shopping is a key aspect of Dhanteras, it is equally crucial to be cautious about what you lend or donate on this day. Certain items are deemed inauspicious to give away, as doing so may lead to a decline in wealth and prosperity instead of attracting the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. Here are five items you should refrain from giving away on Dhanteras evening.

1. Lending Money

On Dhanteras, the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera is particularly important. Lending money on this day, especially during or right after evening prayers, is considered unlucky. It is believed that this act can upset Goddess Lakshmi, resulting in a gradual loss of wealth. Hence, it is advisable to avoid lending money, regardless of your relationship with the person asking.

2. Lending Sugar

While it is common to lend sugar in households, doing so on Dhanteras is viewed as a serious mistake. Sugar and sugarcane are cherished by Goddess Lakshmi, and lending sugar is thought to drive her away from your home. Therefore, it is best to refrain from giving or requesting sugar on this day.

3. Giving Salt

Salt is another item frequently lent in daily life, but doing so on Dhanteras can be detrimental. Salt is linked to the ocean, from which Goddess Lakshmi emerged. Lending salt on this day can obstruct the blessings and prosperity of your household, potentially leading to financial difficulties.

4. Milk, Yogurt, Oil, Needles, and Other Household Items

On Dhanteras evening, avoid giving away or asking for items such as milk, yogurt, oil, or needles. These items can disrupt the positive energy and planetary alignments in your home. Lending them may disturb the harmony of your household and negatively affect your mental and financial well-being. Particularly, giving sharp objects like needles is considered very inauspicious on this day.

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