The festive season in India begins with the glow of diyas, the sound of devotional prayers and the excitement of bringing home something new. One of the most auspicious occasions marking the beginning of Diwali celebrations is Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi. Celebrated with devotion and enthusiasm across the country, this festival symbolises wealth, prosperity, good health and new beginnings.
Dhanteras is considered as an exclusively favorite day to buy gold, silver, utensils & other valuable items. However, its significance goes beyond shopping. The festival respects Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera and Lord Dhanvantari, prompting people that true prosperity includes financial stability, good health and happiness.
As Dhanteras 2026 approaches, here is everything you need to know about its date, puja muhurat, religious significance, traditional rituals and the most auspicious things to buy.
When Is Dhanteras in 2026?
Dhanteras 2026 will be celebrated on Friday, 6 November 2026, on the Trayodashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik. It marks the beginning of the traditional five-day Diwali festival.
According to the Drik Panchang calendar for New Delhi, the auspicious timings are:
- Dhanteras Date: Friday, 6 November 2026
- Trayodashi Tithi Begins: 10:30 AM on 6 November
- Trayodashi Tithi Ends: 10:47 AM on 7 November
- Dhanteras Puja Muhurat: 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM
- Pradosh Kaal: 5:33 PM to 8:09 PM
- Yama Deepam: Friday, 6 November 2026
Remember: These timings are based on New Delhi. Puja timings may vary depending on your city and local Panchang. Check the timings applicable to your location before performing the rituals.
What Is Dhanteras and Why Is It Celebrated?
The word Dhanteras comes from two Sanskrit-derived words: ‘Dhan’, meaning wealth, and ‘Teras’, referring to the thirteenth lunar day (Trayodashi). The festival represents the importance of wealth, prosperity, health and abundance in everyday life.
On this day, families clean and decorate their homes, purchase auspicious items, perform Lakshmi and Kubera puja and light traditional diyas. Many people also observe the custom of buying gold or silver as a symbol of good fortune.
The Mythological Story Behind Dhanteras
According to Hindu mythology, Dhanteras is associated with the Samudra Manthan, or the churning of the cosmic ocean by the gods and demons.
During this legendary event, several divine treasures emerged from the ocean. Among them were Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and Lord Dhanvantari, who appeared carrying a pot of Amrit, the nectar of immortality.
Their appearance is considered highly auspicious and forms the foundation of Dhanteras celebrations. The festival therefore represents the arrival of wealth, divine blessings, health and longevity.
Connection with Lord Dhanvantari
Lord Dhanvantari is regarded as the divine physician and the god of Ayurveda. His emergence from the ocean with Amrit symbolises healing, vitality and the importance of good health.
This is why Dhanteras is also observed as Dhanvantari Jayanti in many traditions. People offer prayers for good health and protection from illness. The occasion highlights an important message: financial prosperity is meaningful only when accompanied by physical and mental well-being.
Religious and Spiritual Significance of Dhanteras
The Dhanteras significance lies in its association with three important deities:
- Goddess Lakshmi: Worshipped for wealth, happiness, abundance and financial stability.
- Lord Kubera: Revered as the divine treasurer and worshipped for prosperity and responsible management of wealth.
- Lord Dhanvantari: Worshipped for good health, healing and longevity.
Another important tradition is lighting a diya in the evening in honour of Yama, the god of death. Known as Yama Deepam, this ritual is traditionally performed to seek protection from untimely death and bring peace and well-being to the family.
Spiritually, Dhanteras encourages people to welcome positivity, practise gratitude, maintain cleanliness and begin new ventures with faith and optimism.
Dhanteras Puja Vidhi: Step-by-Step Rituals
Performing Dhanteras puja is considered an important part of the celebration. Families follow traditional customs to invite prosperity and seek divine blessings.
Here is a simple Dhanteras puja vidhi:
- Clean and decorate your home: Begin by cleaning the house, especially the entrance and puja area. Decorate the doorway with rangoli, flowers and torans.
- Prepare the puja area: Place idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera and Lord Dhanvantari on a clean platform.
- Arrange the puja essentials: Keep flowers, fruits, sweets, roli, rice, incense sticks, a diya, coins and a kalash ready.
- Light the diyas: Light an oil or ghee diya to create an auspicious atmosphere.
- Offer prayers: Apply tilak, offer flowers, fruits and sweets, and pray to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera for prosperity.
- Perform Dhanvantari puja: Offer prayers for good health, happiness and long life.
- Perform Yama Deepam: Light a traditional diya, generally near the main entrance or outside the home, according to family customs.
- Perform aarti: Conclude the puja with Lakshmi aarti and distribute prasad among family members.
Devotees can also chant traditional prayers and mantras according to their family traditions.
What Should You Buy on Dhanteras?
Shopping is one of the most popular Dhanteras traditions. Purchasing new items on this day is believed to invite good fortune and prosperity.
Here are some popular choices:
Gold and Silver
Gold and silver are among the most preferred purchases on Dhanteras. People buy gold coins, jewellery, silver utensils and silver idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.
These precious metals are traditionally associated with wealth, stability and good fortune. Even a small silver coin is considered a meaningful purchase for families who prefer modest celebrations.
Utensils and Household Items
Buying new utensils is another longstanding Dhanteras custom. Brass, copper and silver utensils are particularly popular.
Many families purchase steel utensils, cookware, kitchen appliances and other household essentials. Bringing home a new utensil is traditionally associated with abundance and the hope that the household will always remain prosperous.
Other Auspicious Purchases
Apart from precious metals and utensils, several other purchases are considered favourable:
- Vehicles: Many families choose Dhanteras to purchase cars, scooters and motorcycles.
- Electronic appliances: Televisions, refrigerators, washing machines and other useful gadgets are popular choices.
- Business essentials: Shopkeepers and entrepreneurs may purchase new equipment, machinery or office supplies.
- Property and investments: Some people choose this occasion to begin a property purchase or make long-term investments.
- Diyas and decorative items: Earthen lamps, brass lamps and festive decorations are traditional additions to the home.
The most important consideration is to make thoughtful purchases within your budget rather than spending beyond your means.
Things to Avoid Buying on Dhanteras
While Dhanteras is considered an auspicious shopping occasion, certain traditional beliefs suggest avoiding specific purchases.
Commonly avoided items include:
- Iron and steel objects: Some traditional customs advise avoiding iron purchases on this day.
- Sharp objects: Knives, scissors and other sharp tools are traditionally considered inauspicious by some families.
- Black-coloured items: Certain customs associate black with negativity and recommend avoiding it for festive purchases.
- Empty utensils: It is customary to bring new utensils home filled with rice, grains or water rather than leaving them empty.
- Unnecessary purchases: Avoid impulsive shopping and financial commitments that create unnecessary stress.
These are traditional beliefs rather than universal religious rules. Customs differ between families and regions.
How Is Dhanteras Celebrated Across India?
Dhanteras is celebrated with enthusiasm throughout India, although regional traditions may differ.
In North India, families decorate their homes with rangoli, flowers and diyas. Gold, silver and utensil shopping is especially popular, while Lakshmi-Kubera puja is performed in the evening.
In Maharashtra and Gujarat, people observe traditional rituals and welcome prosperity through prayers and festive decorations. In several communities, business owners worship their accounts books, cash boxes and business equipment.
In South India, the occasion is associated with prayers to Lord Dhanvantari and the importance of health and well-being. Families follow their regional customs and prepare traditional festive offerings.
Across the country, lighting diyas and decorating homes remain important parts of the celebration. The festive atmosphere also brings families together and sets the tone for the upcoming Diwali celebrations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dhanteras 2026
- When is Dhanteras in 2026?
Dhanteras will be celebrated on Friday, 6 November 2026.
- What is the Dhanteras puja muhurat in 2026?
According to Drik Panchang for New Delhi, the puja muhurat is from 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM. Timings may differ by location.
- Why do people buy gold and silver on Dhanteras?
Gold and silver symbolise wealth, prosperity and good fortune. Buying precious metals on Dhanteras is believed to invite abundance and financial stability.
- Which gods are worshipped on Dhanteras?
Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera and Lord Dhanvantari are primarily worshipped. Lord Yama is also honoured through the Yama Deepam ritual.
- What is the best thing to buy on Dhanteras?
Gold, silver, coins, utensils, vehicles, household appliances and useful business equipment are popular purchases. The choice depends on personal preferences and budget.
- What is the importance of lighting a diya on Dhanteras?
Lighting a diya, especially during Yama Deepam, is traditionally believed to protect the family from untimely death and invite peace and positivity.
Conclusion
Dhanteras is much more than an occasion for festive shopping. It is a celebration of wealth, health, gratitude and new beginnings. From worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari to purchasing gold, silver and household essentials, every tradition reflects the desire for a prosperous and healthy life.
As Dhanteras 2026 arrives on 6 November, celebrate the occasion with devotion, thoughtful purchases and meaningful family traditions. Whether you bring home a gold coin, a new utensil or simply light a diya with faith, let the festival remind you that true wealth lies in good health, happiness, peace and togetherness.
Wishing you and your family a prosperous, healthy and blessed Dhanteras 2026!
