Dhanteras 2026: Date, Puja Muhurat, Puja Vidhi, What to Buy & Significance

Dhanteras 2026 will be celebrated on Friday, November 6, marking the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival. Also known as Dhantrayodashi, this auspicious day is associated with wealth, health and prosperity. People worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kuber and Lord Dhanvantari and light diyas in their homes.

Buying gold, silver and useful household items is also an important Dhanteras tradition.

Here is everything you need to know about the Dhanteras 2026 date, Shubh Muhurat, Puja Vidhi, Katha and important traditions.

Dhanteras 2026 Date and Shubh Muhurat

As per panchang, Dhanteras falls on Kartik month's Trayodashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha. This year, Dhanteras will be observed on 6th November, 2026 (Friday).

Here are the important Dhanteras 2026 timings for New Delhi:

Traditionally, Dhanteras Puja is performed during Pradosh Kaal and Vrishabha Kaal. Timings can vary by location, so always check the local Panchang for your city.

Why Do We Celebrate Dhanteras?

The word Dhanteras combines Dhan, meaning wealth, and Teras, referring to the thirteenth lunar day.

The festival represents prosperity in different forms. For wealth and abundance, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber are worshipped, and for health, Lord Dhanvantari is worshipped on this day.

Therefore, Dhanteras is not simply a festival for buying valuable things. It reminds us that good health, financial stability and well-being are all forms of prosperity.

Dhanteras Puja Vidhi: How to Perform Puja at Home

• Clean your home and Puja area and decorate the entrance with rangoli and diyas.

• On a clean puja chowki, place idols or pictures of Shri Ganesha, Mata Lakshmi, Lord Kuber and Lord Dhanvantari.

• Light a diya and offer flowers, roli, rice, fruits and sweets.

• Worship Lord Ganesha first and then pray to Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kuber for prosperity and Lord Dhanvantari.

• Lastly, Sing the divine Aarti and distribute Prasad.
  

If you prefer performing the rituals with proper guidance, you can also consider a Dhanteras or Lakshmi-Kuber Pooja with experienced Pandits.

Significance of buying Gold and Silver on Dhanteras

Buying gold and silver on Dhanteras is traditionally considered auspicious because these precious metals represent wealth, purity and prosperity.

Many people buy jewellery, gold or silver coins and silver utensils as a symbolic way of welcoming Goddess Lakshmi and abundance into their homes.

However, buying expensive gold or silver is not compulsory. The tradition is about welcoming prosperity, so you can choose something meaningful according to your budget.

What to Buy on Dhanteras If You Cannot Buy Gold or Silver?

You do not have to stretch your budget to celebrate Dhanteras. Several affordable items are also traditionally considered auspicious.

The value of your purchase is less important than the intention behind it. Choose something useful and suitable for your budget.

What Should You Not Buy on Dhanteras?

According to common traditions, some purchases are avoided on Dhanteras:

• Sharp objects: Knives, scissors and similar items are traditionally associated with cutting or separation.

• Empty utensils: If you buy a utensil, many families prefer putting grains, water or another auspicious item inside it before bringing it home.

• Broken or damaged items: Dhanteras represent new beginnings, so damaged goods are generally avoided.

• Unnecessary expensive items: Do not overspend simply because buying something new is considered auspicious.

Different regions and families follow different customs, so it is best to follow your family traditions where applicable.

Dhanteras 2026 : Astrological Significance

Dhanteras also carries astrological significance. Here is what makes Dhanteras 2026 interesting:

• Friday connection: Dhanteras 2026 falls on Friday, a day traditionally associated with Venus (Shukra).

• Venus and prosperity: In Vedic astrology, Venus represents luxury, beauty, comforts and material pleasures.

• Trayodashi Tithi: Dhanteras falls on Krishna Paksha Trayodashi, which gives the festival its traditional name, Dhantrayodashi.

• Vrishabha Lagna for Puja: For Dhanteras Lakshmi Puja, Vrishabha Lagna is generally preferred, because it is considered a fixed or stable Ascendant.

You can explore more Vedic astrology and festival insights from Astro Arun Pandit to understand how Tithi, planets and Muhurat influence Hindu festivals.

Lord Dhanvantari, Dhanteras and Ayurveda Day: What Is the Connection?

Lord Dhanvantari is traditionally regarded as the divine physician and deity of Ayurveda. According to Hindu tradition, on Kartik month's Krishna paksh trayodashi (Dhanteras), he appeared during Samudra Manthan carrying a pot of Amrit, or nectar of immortality.

Since then, this day is also celebrated as Dhanvantari Jayanti, which is linked with health and healing. The Government of India also observes Ayurveda Day around the tradition of Dhanvantari; the official observance date has been fixed annually as September 23 from 2025 onward, so it does not necessarily fall on Dhanteras each year.

This connection gives Dhanteras a wider meaning: prosperity is incomplete without good health.

Dhanteras Katha

There are different stories associated with Dhanteras. Two of the most well-known explain its connection with Lord Dhanvantari and Yamadeepdaan.

Katha 1: Lord Dhanvantari and Samudra Manthan

According to Hindu tradition, when the Devas and Asuras performed Samudra Manthan, many divine treasures appeared from the ocean. Along with them, Lord Dhanvantri emerged with a pot of Amrit. Since his appearance took place on Trayodashi Tithi, the day became associated with Dhanvantari and health.

This is why Lord Dhanvantari is worshipped on Dhanteras for health, healing and well-being.

Katha 2: King Hima's Son and Yamadeepdaan

Another popular story is about King Hima's son, who was predicted to die from a snake bite shortly after his marriage.

On the predicted night, his wife placed gold, silver and jewellery near the entrance, lit many lamps and kept her husband awake. When Lord Yama arrived in the form of a snake, the bright lamps and shining jewellery stopped him from entering.

The prince survived, and the story became associated with the tradition of Yamadeepdaan on Dhanteras.

Yamadeepdaan on Dhanteras

On Dhanteras evening, many families light a diya for Lord Yama, the deity of death. This tradition is known as Yamadeepdaan and is associated with prayers for protection from untimely death and for a long life.

The diya is traditionally placed outside the home in the evening. This ritual highlights another important message of Dhanteras: along with wealth, health, safety and longevity are also valuable blessings.

Conclusion

On 6 November 2026, we will observe the first day of Diwali festivities: Dhanteras 2026. It begins the Diwali celebrations with prayers for wealth, health and prosperity. From Lakshmi-Kuber Puja and buying auspicious items to worshipping Lord Dhanvantari and performing Yamadeepdaan, every tradition carries its own meaning.

Whether you buy gold, silver or a simple household item, celebrate according to your means and traditions. The true spirit of Dhanteras lies in welcoming prosperity, positivity and good health into your life.