Dhanteras 2026 falls on Friday, 6 November 2026, opening the five-day Diwali festival. On this day families worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kuber and Lord Dhanvantari, buy gold, silver or new utensils for prosperity, and light a Yam Deepak at dusk for the protection of the household. Here is everything you need for Dhanteras 2026: date, muhurat guidance, what to buy (and avoid), puja vidhi and the story behind the festival.
Dhanteras 2026 Date
| Festival | Dhanteras (Dhantrayodashi, Dhanvantari Jayanti) |
| Date | Friday, 6 November 2026 |
| Tithi | Kartik Krishna Trayodashi |
| Puja time | Pradosh Kaal after sunset (sunset in Delhi is about 5:32 PM); several panchangs list the main muhurat in the evening – confirm the exact window for your city |
| Next | Choti Diwali (7 Nov), Diwali Lakshmi Puja (8 Nov) |
Because 6 November 2026 is a Friday — a day associated with Goddess Lakshmi — many families consider this Dhanteras especially auspicious for buying gold and silver.
What Is Dhanteras?
Dhan means wealth and teras means the thirteenth day of the lunar fortnight. Dhanteras honours:
- Lord Dhanvantari – the physician of the gods, who emerged from the churning of the ocean holding a pot of amrit (nectar). India also marks this day as National Ayurveda Day.
- Goddess Lakshmi – the goddess of wealth and fortune.
- Lord Kuber – the treasurer of the gods.
- Yamraj – the god of death, honoured with a lamp for protection.
The Story of Dhanteras
A popular legend tells of King Hima’s son, whose horoscope predicted he would die of a snakebite on the fourth night of his marriage. On that night his clever young wife piled all her gold and silver ornaments at the doorway, lit lamps all around and kept her husband awake with stories and songs. When Yamraj arrived disguised as a serpent, he was dazzled by the glittering jewels and lamps, sat on the heap listening to her songs, and left quietly at dawn. The prince was saved — which is why families light the Yam Deepak on Dhanteras night and why buying metal is considered lucky.
What to Buy on Dhanteras 2026
- Gold or silver – coins, jewellery or a small Lakshmi-Ganesh coin.
- Brass or copper utensils – a kalash, lota or plate.
- Broom (jhadu) – believed to sweep away poverty and negativity.
- Dhaniya (coriander seeds) – offered in puja and later sown for growth.
- Gomti chakra and cowrie shells for prosperity.
- New account books for businesses.
- Diyas and puja items for Diwali.
What Not to Buy on Dhanteras
- Sharp objects like knives and scissors.
- Iron items and black-coloured objects, traditionally considered inauspicious.
- Glass items, in some traditions.
- Empty vessels — fill any new utensil with water, rice or sweets before bringing it home.
Dhanteras Puja Vidhi (Step by Step)
- Clean the house and decorate the entrance with rangoli and a toran of mango leaves and marigolds.
- Set up a chowki in the north-east with a red cloth; place idols or images of Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kuber.
- Light a ghee diya and offer roli, akshat, flowers, sweets and dhaniya.
- Place new purchases (coins, jewellery, utensils) before the deities and offer them to Lakshmi.
- Chant “Om Dhanvantaraye Namah” and the Kuber mantra “Om Yakshaya Kuberaya Vaishravanaya Dhana Dhanyadhipataye Namah”.
- Perform aarti with family.
- Yam Deepdaan at dusk: light a four-wick flour or clay lamp with mustard oil and place it outside the main door facing south, praying for protection from untimely death.
Dhanteras 2026 and the Diwali Calendar
| Day | Date |
|---|---|
| Dhanteras | Friday, 6 November |
| Choti Diwali | Saturday, 7 November |
| Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) | Sunday, 8 November |
| Govardhan Puja | Tuesday, 10 November |
| Bhai Dooj | Wednesday, 11 November |
See our complete Diwali 2026 guide for the Lakshmi Puja muhurat and samagri list.
Smart Dhanteras Shopping Tips
- Buy BIS-hallmarked gold and check the HUID code on the jewellery.
- Compare the day’s gold rate and making charges across two or three jewellers.
- For investment, consider gold coins or bars with low making charges.
- Book online orders early; delivery slots fill up in Diwali week.
Dhanteras 2026 FAQ
When is Dhanteras in 2026?
Dhanteras 2026 is on Friday, 6 November 2026.
What is the best thing to buy on Dhanteras?
Gold, silver, brass utensils, a new broom and coriander seeds are all considered auspicious.
Why is Yam Deepak lit on Dhanteras?
To honour Yamraj and pray for protection of the family from untimely death, following the story of King Hima’s son.
Share the day with our Dhanteras wishes and messages. Read more about the festival on Wikipedia.
Related: Karwa Chauth wishes 2026 and Dussehra quotes and wishes.
