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Dhanteras marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival. Buying gold, silver, jewellery, utensils and other valuables is considered auspicious.

Dhanteras is celebrated by worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera and Lord Dhanvantari and seeking blessings for wealth, health and prosperity. (Image: Shutterstock)
Dhanteras 2026 Puja Muhurat: Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, is one of the most auspicious festivals in Hindu tradition. Celebrated two days before Diwali, the festival marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali celebrations and is associated with wealth, prosperity, good health and happiness. In 2026, Dhanteras will be observed on Friday, November 6.
On this day, devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, Lord Kubera, the treasurer of the gods, and Lord Dhanvantari, who is associated with Ayurveda and good health. Buying gold, silver, jewellery, utensils and other valuables is considered auspicious, as people believe these purchases invite prosperity and good fortune into their homes.
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One of the most important observances is the evening Dhanteras Puja, during which families light diyas, offer prayers and seek blessings for financial stability, health and well-being. Devotees also observe Yama Deepam by lighting a lamp in honour of Lord Yama, praying for the longevity and safety of their family members.
If you are planning to celebrate Dhanteras this year, here is everything you need to know about the date, puja muhurat, Trayodashi Tithi timings, religious significance and traditional rituals.
Dhanteras 2026: Date And Puja Muhurat
Dhanteras will be celebrated on Friday, November 6, 2026. The evening is considered particularly auspicious for performing Lakshmi-Kubera Puja and seeking blessings for prosperity.
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Dhanteras Puja Muhurat
- Drik Panchang lists 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM for Delhi
- 6:35 PM to 8:35 PM for Mumbai
- 6:30 PM to 8:28 PM for Ahmedabad
Pradosh Kaal: Approximately 5:59 PM to 8:33 PM
Trayodashi Tithi Begins: 10:30 AM on November 6
Trayodashi Tithi Ends: 10:47 AM on November 7
What Is The Significance Of Dhanteras?
The word Dhanteras is derived from two Sanskrit words: ‘Dhan’, meaning wealth, and ‘Teras’, referring to the thirteenth lunar day. The festival falls on the Trayodashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha (the waning phase of the Moon) in the Hindu month of Kartik.
According to Hindu mythology, Dhanteras is associated with the Samudra Manthan, or the churning of the cosmic ocean. During this event, Lord Dhanvantari emerged carrying a pot of Amrit, the divine nectar of immortality. He is worshipped as the divine physician and is regarded as the god of Ayurveda and health.
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The occasion is also associated with Goddess Lakshmi, who represents wealth, abundance and prosperity, and Lord Kubera, who is considered the guardian of wealth. Devotees worship these deities to seek blessings for financial growth, success and happiness.
Apart from material prosperity, Dhanteras highlights the importance of health and well-being. The festival reminds people that good health is as valuable as wealth and encourages families to begin the Diwali celebrations with prayers, positivity and gratitude.
Dhanteras 2026: Rituals And Traditions To Follow
Dhanteras is celebrated with several religious and traditional practices. Here are some of the important rituals devotees follow:
Clean And Decorate Your Home
Cleaning the house is one of the first preparations for Dhanteras. Families thoroughly clean their homes, decorate entrances with colourful rangoli designs and place flowers and traditional decorations around the house.
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Many devotees believe that a clean and welcoming home attracts Goddess Lakshmi and invites prosperity. Doorways are often decorated with torans, flowers and diyas to create a festive atmosphere.
Worship Goddess Lakshmi And Lord Kubera
Lakshmi-Kubera Puja is among the most important rituals performed on Dhanteras. Devotees prepare a clean puja space, place idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera, and offer flowers, fruits, sweets, incense sticks and diyas.
During the puja, families chant prayers and mantras seeking blessings for wealth, financial stability, success and peace. Some households also worship their cash boxes, business account books and valuables as part of the tradition.
Perform Dhanvantari Puja
Lord Dhanvantari is worshipped on Dhanteras as the divine physician and the deity associated with Ayurveda. Devotees offer prayers for good health, healing and longevity.
The tradition highlights the importance of physical and mental well-being and reminds people that health is one of life’s greatest forms of wealth.
Light A Diya For Lord Yama
Yama Deepam, also known as Yamadeepdaan, is an important Dhanteras tradition. Devotees light an oil lamp outside the main entrance of their homes, traditionally in the evening, and offer prayers to Lord Yama, the god of death.
The ritual is performed to seek protection from untimely death and pray for the health, safety and longevity of family members. In many households, a diya is placed near the entrance or in the southern direction, which is traditionally associated with Lord Yama.
Buy Gold, Silver And Utensils
Purchasing gold, silver, jewellery, coins and new utensils is considered auspicious on Dhanteras. Many people prefer to buy precious metals as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune.
Some families also purchase household appliances, vehicles and other useful items. Traditionally, buying new metal utensils is believed to bring abundance into the household.
While gold and silver purchases are popular, the festival’s significance goes beyond material possessions. It is also an occasion to pray for good health, happiness and prosperity.
Offer Prayers And Prepare Traditional Sweets
Families prepare traditional sweets and festive dishes as offerings to the deities. These may include laddoos, kheer, peda and other homemade delicacies.
After the puja, the offerings are distributed among family members as prasad. Relatives and friends also exchange sweets and greetings to celebrate the occasion.
What Should You Buy On Dhanteras 2026?
Buying new items on Dhanteras is considered a symbol of inviting prosperity and good fortune. Some of the popular purchases include:
Gold and silver: Coins, jewellery and other precious metal items are among the most popular Dhanteras purchases.
- Utensils: Brass, copper and steel utensils are traditionally bought for the household.
- Silver coins: Many families purchase silver coins featuring Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.
- Brooms: Buying a new broom is considered auspicious in some traditions and is associated with removing negativity and welcoming prosperity.
- New household items: Appliances, electronic goods and other useful products are also purchased by families during the festival.
Why Is Dhanteras Celebrated Before Diwali?
Dhanteras marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival. It is observed on the Trayodashi Tithi of Kartik Krishna Paksha, followed by Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali, Diwali, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj.
Each day has its own religious and cultural significance. Dhanteras focuses on wealth, health and prosperity, while the subsequent celebrations highlight the victory of good over evil, devotion, family bonds and the triumph of light over darkness.
As families prepare their homes, light diyas and perform traditional rituals, Dhanteras sets the tone for the festive celebrations ahead.
Quick Answers
In 2026, Dhanteras is observed on Friday, November 6. According to Drik Panchang, the evening puja muhurat for Delhi is from 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM.
About the Author

Nibandh Vinod is a seasoned journalist with nearly three decades of experience. He specialises in covering events and festivals and in driving SEO-focused content for News18.com. Tech-savvy and collab…Read More
November 06, 2026, 07:30 IST
