Dhanteras is the first of five days of the Diwali festival. This is the day to worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera and welcome wealth and prosperity. Dhanteras is known for the buying of gold, silver and other household goods. This book gives you the exact Dhanteras date and time, the most acceptable Dhanteras Puja Muhurat, 2026, traditional ways of performing the puja, interesting stories about the festival, and what to buy and avoid.
When Is Dhanteras in 2026? Date and Trayodashi Tithi Timing
If you are wondering when Dhanteras is in 2026, the festival will be celebrated on Friday, November 6, 2026. The Dhanteras 2026 date and time align with the sacred Kartik Krishna Trayodashi tithi, which begins on November 5 at 06:44 PM and ends on November 6 at 07:18 PM.
As per the Dhanteras 2026 Panchang, the rituals of this festival are performed during the Trayodashi tithi of the Kartik month in Pradosh Kaal (the twilight time after the sunset). Since 6th November, 2026 is the Trayodashi tithi and sun sets on that day at the time of Pradosh Kaal, all the Dhanteras festival related rituals and shopping will be done on that day which is a Friday.
| Event Detail | Date | Day | Start Time | End Time |
| Dhanteras Date | November 6, 2026 | Friday | — | — |
| Trayodashi Tithi | Nov 5 – Nov 6, 2026 | Thu – Fri | Nov 5, 06:44 PM | Nov 6, 07:18 PM |
| Pradosh Kaal | November 6, 2026 | Friday | 05:32 PM | 08:10 PM |
Dhanteras Celebrated on Trayodashi Tithi?
Dhanteras is an important festival associated with the Kartik Krishna Trayodashi Tithi. Its date and auspicious timings are determined through traditional Panchang calculations. Learning about these calculations can also be an interesting starting point for anyone exploring Vedic astrology through an online Vedic astrology course.
Dhanteras Puja Muhurat 2026 and Shopping Muhurat
The auspicious time to perform the Dhanteras puja in the year 2026 is from 06:15 PM to 08:10 PM on the 6th of November. The Dhanteras shopping time 2026 is also during the same period. Buying gold and other valuables during Sthir Lagna ensures that the wealth enters your house and stays for long. Following are the time windows for shopping and worship.
(1) Starting time of Pradosh Kaal – 6:15 PM
(2) Duration of Pradosh Kaal – 1 hour and 55 minutes
(3) Ending time of Pradosh Kaal – 8:10 PM:
| Event / Activity | Muhurat Type | Start Time | End Time |
| Dhanteras Puja Muhurat | Pradosh Kaal & Vrishabha Lagna | 06:15 PM | 08:10 PM |
| Morning Shopping Window | Choghadiya (Char, Labh, Amrit) | 06:38 AM | 10:42 AM |
| Afternoon Shopping Window | Abhijit Muhurat | 11:43 AM | 12:27 PM |
| Evening Shopping Window | Shubh Muhurat for Buying Gold | 06:15 PM | 08:30 PM |
Note: Muhurat timings experience slight city-wise variation due to local sunset timings in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bengaluru; check your local panchang before performing evening rituals.
Can We Buy Things on the Day After Dhanteras?
While the major shubh muhurat for buying gold and other household items is on Dhanteras, purchases during the choghadiya muhurats of Narak Chaturdashi (i.e. Choti Diwali) are also considered auspicious. Major purchases of gold, silver and property happen on Dhanteras.
What to Do If You Miss the Muhurat?
Missing the Pradosh Kaal window for Puja because of work or travel is not considered an impediment to performing the Puja. A Puja performed during the Labh Choghadiya or the simple Pradosh Sandhya is considered equally effective. Devotion and Cleanliness are of prime importance when determining the success of a Puja.
What Is Dhanteras? Meaning and Significance
Dhanteras is celebrated on the 13th day of the Kartik month of the Hindu calendar and is regarded as the second most auspicious day for buying gold and other household items after Diwali. It is the celebration of the material and spiritual wealth of the household. The main deity is Dhanvantri who is the embodiment of health and wealth. Other deities are Lakshmi and Kuber. The festival is observed by drawing maze or elaborate Rangoli patterns on the thresholds, doorways, and walkways of homes and businesses, and illuminating them with thousands of clay lamps filled with ghee and oil.
Dhanteras vs Dhantrayodashi: Is There a Difference?
Dhanteras is celebrated as Dhantrayodashi, and there is little to no difference in their celebrations. Dhanatrayodashi is the formal Sanskrit name for the 13th day of the month, whereas Dhanteras is the common Hindi name. Dhanteras is widely celebrated in northern and western parts of India.
Why Is Dhanteras Celebrated? History and Story
The Dhanteras story is rooted in the ancient Hindu mythologies. One such fascinating Dhanteras legend links this Hindu festival with the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) and the Vedic Puranic legend of King Hima’s son, and enriches the ancient Dhanteras legend and history.
The Samudra Manthan Story
On the thirteenth day of the Churning of the Ocean (Samudra Manthan) by the Devas (Gods) and Asuras (demons), Lord Dhanvantari, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, appeared from the ocean with a divine pot of Amrit (Nectar of immortality) and sacred texts of Ayurveda. This is the reason this day is celebrated as the birth of Lord Dhanvantari.
The Legend of King Hima’s Son and Yama
The other fascinating Dhanteras legend is connected with the son of King Hima. As predicted by his horoscope, he was doomed to die by a snake-bite on the fourth day of his marriage. On the fourth day, his wise young bride, laid all her gold and silver ornaments and coins at the entrance of the sleeping chamber. She also arranged dozens of lamps and lit them. When the god of death, Yama, arrived in the form of a snake, he was blinded by the dazzling light of the jewels and could not enter the chamber. He sat on the heap of jewels and listened to stories and songs and left in the morning, without taking the soul of the prince. It is said that this is how the custom of Yanadeepdan started.
Who Is Worshipped on Dhanteras? Lakshmi, Kubera and Dhanvantari
If you want to know who is worshipped on Dhanteras, the festival honors a divine triad: Lord Dhanvantari (the God of health), Lord Kubera (the treasurer of the devas and God of wealth), and Goddess Lakshmi (the deity of fortune). Performing a combined Lakshmi Kubera puja ensures holistic abundance.
Why Is Dhanvantari Worshipped on Dhanteras?
Lord Dhanvantari is worshipped because health is considered the ultimate wealth. The Indian Ministry of AYUSH observes this day as National Ayurveda Day. Chanting the Dhanvantari Mantra during puja invites protection against illness and physical ailments.
Why Is Kubera Worshipped on Dhanteras?
While Goddess Lakshmi generates wealth, Lord Kubera is the custodian and protector of celestial riches. Worshipping Kubera on Dhantrayodashi ensures that hard-earned wealth is preserved, spent wisely, and protected from financial loss.
Dhanteras and Diwali: How the Five Days Connect
The relation between Dhanteras and Diwali is deeply structural, as Dhanteras marks the official opening day of the grand five days of Diwali. The connection between Dhanteras and Diwali sets the spiritual baseline of cleansing, lighting, and worshipping before main festival celebrations begin.
| Day | Festival Name | Tithi & Timing | Primary Significance | Internal Link / Resource |
| Day 1 | Dhanteras (Dhantrayodashi) | Kartik Krishna Trayodashi | Worship of Dhanvantari, Kubera & Lakshmi; Purchasing gold | Dhanteras Puja Guide |
| Day 2 | Choti Diwali / Naraka Chaturdashi | Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi | Krishna’s victory over Narakasura; Abhyanga Snan bath | Guide to Choti Diwali Rituals |
| Day 3 | Diwali / Lakshmi Puja | Kartik Amavasya | Grand Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja; lighting oil diyas | Complete Lakshmi Puja Vidhi |
| Day 4 | Govardhan Puja / Annakut | Kartik Shukla Pratipada | Gratitude to nature and Lord Krishna’s protection | Govardhan Puja & Annakut Rules |
| Day 5 | Bhai Dooj | Kartik Shukla Dwitiya | Celebrating brother-sister protection and love | Bhai Dooj Mantras & Samagri |
Dhanteras Puja Vidhi: Step-by-Step at Home
Performing an authentic Dhanteras puja vidhi at home brings divine grace without requiring complex rituals. Whether conducting Dhanteras puja at home with your family or doing a simple puja without a pandit, following proper procedures ensures that your home is blessed with health and enduring prosperity.
Puja Samagri List
Prepare your Dhanteras puja items list in advance:
- Idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, Lord Dhanvantari, and Lord Kubera
- A wooden chowki covered with red or yellow silk cloth
- Panchamrit (milk, curd, honey, ghee, sugar)
- Fresh flowers (lotus or marigold), akshat (unbroken rice grains), Kumkum, and turmeric
- Coriander seeds (Dhania), jaggery, and batasha
- Silver/gold coins or newly bought utensils
- Four-wick brass or terracotta diya filled with mustard oil
Step-by-Step Vidhi
- Cleanliness & Preparation: Clean the puja room thoroughly. Draw footprints of Goddess Lakshmi entering your home at the main entrance.
- Setup: Place the wooden chowki, spread the cloth, and position the deities facing east or north.
- Invocation: Light an oil lamp and incense sticks. Offer akshat and flowers while invoking Lord Ganesha first to remove obstacles.
- Dhanvantari & Kubera Puja: Offer Panchamrit, sandalwood paste, kumkum, and coriander seeds to Lord Dhanvantari and Lord Kubera.
- Lakshmi Worship: Place your newly bought gold, silver, or brass utensils before Goddess Lakshmi. Offer sweets, batasha, and flowers.
- Aarti & Prayers: Perform the Dhanteras Aarti and recite sacred mantras.
Mantras to Chant
- Dhanvantari Mantra (for good health):
- Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye Amrita-kalasha-hastaya Sarva-amaya-vinashaya Trailokya-nathaya Sri Mahavishnave Namah
- Lakshmi Kubera Mantra (for wealth):
- Om Hreem Shreem Kreem Shreem Kuberaya Ashta-Lakshmi-Mama Grihe Dhanam Puraya Puraya Namah
Yama Deepam on Dhanteras: Why, How Many Diyas and Which Direction?
For the Yama Deepam evening ritual, light a four-wick mustard oil lamp outside your home facing the south direction diya position during Pradosh Kaal. Knowing how many diyas on Dhanteras is essential: traditionally 13 diyas are lit, and people ask why do we light a yam deepam on Dhanteras to ward off untimely death.
Key Rules for Yamadeepdan:
- How Many Diyas: Exactly 13 diyas are lit inside and around the house. The special 14th diya—the Yama Deepam—is made of wheat flour (atta) or clay with four wicks.
- Which Direction: Place the Yama Deepam facing South (the direction of Lord Yama) outside the house, near the entrance or trash space.
- Oil & Grain: Fill the diya with mustard oil, place a coin and a few grains of sesame or wheat inside, and light all four wicks.
- Rule of Caution: Once lit, no family member should look back at the Yama Deepam or step outside the house.
What to Buy on Dhanteras (and Why Gold Is Traditional)
Deciding on Dhanteras what to buy is central to festival preparations. People often ask why do we buy gold on Dhanteras: gold symbolizes permanent luck and Goddess Lakshmi’s presence. However, purchasing brass or copper utensils, a new broom, or coriander seeds brings equal divine blessings into your household.
Traditional Items
- Gold and Silver Coins: Buying coins embossed with Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha ensures prosperity.
- Utensils: Brass, copper, or silver vessels for the kitchen (always fill them with water or grain before entering home).
- Lakshmi Ganesha Idols: Clay or metal idols for the upcoming main Diwali Puja.
Budget-Friendly Options
What to buy under 1000 rupees if you can’t afford gold?
- A New Broom (Jhadu): Symbolizes sweeping away poverty (Daridra) from the house.
- Whole Coriander Seeds (Dhania): Offered during puja and later sown in garden pots to symbolize financial growth.
- Rock Salt: Buying salt on Dhanteras and using it to clean floors removes negative energy.
Zodiac-Wise Buying Ideas
Aligning purchases with your rashi enhances astrological benefits:
- Aries & Scorpio: Copper utensils or red coral items.
- Taurus & Libra: Silver coins, brass kitchenware, or diamond/white zircon jewel
- Gemini & Virgo: Electronic items or emerald/green accessories.
- Cancer: Silverware or pearl items.
- Leo: Gold coins or brass lamps.
- Sagittarius & Pisces: Gold coins, turmeric, or yellow brass items.
- Capricorn & Aquarius: Electronic items, vehicle purchases, or blue sapphire/steel kitchen tools.
What Should Not Be Bought on Dhanteras? Is Iron Okay?
Knowing what should not be bought on Dhanteras protects your home from negative energy. Many wonder is it okay to buy iron on Dhanteras: traditional scriptures advise against buying iron, black items, glass, or sharp objects, as iron is associated with Lord Rahu and Saturn in Vedic astrology.
| Item Category | Avoid (Inauspicious) | Okay / Recommended (Auspicious) |
| Metals | Iron, Steel, Aluminum | Gold, Silver, Brass, Copper |
| Household Items | Scissors, Knives, Needles, Glassware | New Broom, Clay Diyas, Rice, Salt |
| Colors & Goods | Black-colored clothes, Plastic goods | Yellow, Red, Pink, or White items |
| Vehicles/Machinery | Deliveries without advance booking | Vehicles booked prior & paid in full on Dhanteras |
Dhanteras 2026 Gold Price: What to Check Before Buying
Tracking the Dhanteras 2026 gold price helps buyers make smart investments on this auspicious day. Before checking the live gold rate today, buyers must verify BIS hallmark authentication, compare 24k vs 22k purity, evaluate making charges, and choose between physical coins and digital gold options.
How to Check Purity
- BIS Hallmark: Look for the 6-digit HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification) code stamped on gold jewelry.
- Karat Identification: 24K (999 purity) is best for investment coins, while 22K (916 purity) is ideal for durable jewelry.
- Making Charges & Invoice: Ensure the jeweler breaks down making charges separately and provides a tax invoice.
Gold vs. Silver on Dhanteras
While gold represents solar energy and eternal fortune, silver represents lunar energy and peace of mind. If gold prices are elevated, buying silver coins (999 purity) yields equal spiritual merit on Dhantrayodashi.
Dhanteras 2026 FAQs
Is Dhanteras a national holiday?
Dhanteras is an optional or gazetted regional holiday in several states across India. While central government administrative offices remain open, educational institutions and many private businesses close or operate half-days in observance of festival preparations.
Is the stock market open on Dhanteras?
Yes, Indian stock exchanges (BSE and NSE) remain open for regular trading on Dhanteras if it falls on a standard weekday. Trading only halts or holds special Muhurat Trading hours on the evening of main Diwali (Lakshmi Puja).
Can Dhanteras puja be done in the morning?
Morning hours are ideal for shopping, cleaning, and taking a holy bath. However, official Dhanteras puja and Yamadeepdan must be conducted in the evening during Pradosh Kaal when Trayodashi tithi overlaps with sunset.
How many diyas are lit on Dhanteras?
Traditionally, 13 clay diyas filled with sesame or mustard oil are lit inside the house. Additionally, 1 special four-wick diya (Yama Deepam) is placed outside facing south to protect the family from untimely mishaps.
Is Dhanteras the same as Dhan Teras?
Yes, Dhanteras and Dhan Teras are identical terms referring to the exact same festival. “Dhan” stands for wealth and “Teras” refers to the 13th day of the Hindu lunar month Kartik.
Conclusion
As you prepare to welcome divine blessings into your home, following these traditional rituals and auspicious times helps connect your festival with peace, good fortune, and everlasting prosperity. Make sure your place of worship is purified, your shopping is done in auspicious times, and Yamadeep is carefully placed to protect your home. May Dhanteras 2026 illuminate your life with happiness, vibrant health, and endless good fortune-share this guide with your loved ones today to help them plan their auspicious festival!
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