Dhanteras marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali celebrations and is considered an auspicious day to pray for prosperity, health and well-being. From cleaning the home and lighting diyas to performing Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja, the rituals of Dhanteras bring families together in devotion.
If you are wondering how to do pooja on Dhanteras, you can follow a simple traditional puja at home. Here is everything you need to know about Dhanteras rituals, puja items, the 2026 Muhurat and the significance behind the celebrations.
Table of Contents
- What Is Dhanteras and Why Is It Celebrated?
- When Is Dhanteras 2026?
- What Do You Need for Dhanteras Puja at Home?
- How to Do Dhanteras Puja at Home
- Dhanteras Mantra and Aarti
- What to Do on Dhanteras?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Dhanteras
What Is Dhanteras and Why Is It Celebrated?
Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, is observed on the Trayodashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha. It is associated with wealth, prosperity, health and auspicious beginnings. Families traditionally clean their homes, light diyas, purchase auspicious items and perform puja.
What Is the Significance of Dhanteras?
The significance of Dhanteras lies in seeking blessings for wealth, good health, prosperity and happiness. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped for prosperity, while Lord Ganesha is prayed to for wisdom and auspicious beginnings. Lord Dhanvantari is also remembered for his connection with health and Ayurveda.
Why Do We Celebrate Dhanteras?
Dhanteras is celebrated to welcome prosperity and begin the Diwali festivities with prayer and positivity. Traditionally, families clean and decorate their homes, light diyas, worship the deities and buy auspicious items.
For more, explore Dhanteras significance and traditions.
When Is Dhanteras 2026?
Dhanteras 2026 Date and Time
Dhanteras 2026 falls on Friday, November 6, 2026. The Trayodashi Tithi begins at 10:30 AM on November 6 and ends at 10:47 AM on November 7, according to the New Delhi Panchang.
Dhanteras 2026 Puja Muhurat
For New Delhi, the Dhanteras Puja Muhurat is 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM on November 6, 2026. As Muhurat timings vary by location, check your local Panchang before performing the puja.
What Do You Need for Dhanteras Puja at Home?
Essential Dhanteras Puja Items
Keep these basic items ready:
- Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha idols or images
- Diya, cotton wicks, oil or ghee
- Roli or kumkum and akshat
- Flowers and incense
- Kalash and water
- Fruits and sweets
- Coins or other auspicious items
- Panchamrit or other traditional offerings
How to Prepare Your Home for Dhanteras Puja
Clean your home and puja area before the ceremony. Decorate the entrance with rangoli and diyas, and keep the puja space clean and peaceful. Traditionally, lighting diyas at the entrance is also an important part of Dhanteras.
How to Do Dhanteras Puja at Home
If you are looking for a simple answer to how to do Dhanteras Puja at home, follow these five steps:
Step 1: Clean and Prepare the Puja Area
Clean the puja space and place a clean cloth on the platform. Arrange the idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha neatly.
Step 2: Arrange the Puja Items
Keep the diya, flowers, roli, rice, incense, fruits, sweets and other offerings within easy reach. You can also place coins or newly purchased auspicious items near the deities.
Step 3: Worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha
Begin by praying to Lord Ganesha, followed by Goddess Lakshmi. Offer flowers, rice and kumkum while seeking blessings for prosperity, wisdom and the well-being of the family.
Step 4: Make the Traditional Offerings
Offer fruits, sweets and naivedya to the deities. Light the diya and incense and recite a Dhanteras mantra or your preferred Lakshmi-Ganesha prayers with devotion.
Step 5: Perform the Aarti
Conclude the puja with Lakshmi-Ganesha Aarti. Bring the family together, sing the aarti and seek blessings for happiness, peace and prosperity.
Dhanteras Mantra and Aarti
You can recite Lakshmi and Ganesha prayers during the puja and conclude with the traditional Aarti. Listening to or singing devotional bhajans can also make the puja more peaceful and create a meaningful atmosphere for the family.
You can also explore Laxmi Puja for more devotional guidance.
What to Do on Dhanteras?
What Are the Traditional Dhanteras Rituals?
The main Dhanteras rituals include cleaning and decorating the home, performing Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja, lighting diyas, making offerings and praying for prosperity and good health. Many families also remember Lord Dhanvantari and light a diya as part of their traditional observances.
For more festive guidance, explore Hindu festival guides and Diwali traditions and significance.
What Are the 5 Things to Buy on Dhanteras?
Five traditional purchases associated with Dhanteras include:
- Gold or silver – Associated with prosperity and wealth.
- Utensils – Symbolise abundance and a well-equipped home.
- Coins – Commonly kept for wealth-related puja and worship.
- New clothes – Represent celebration and fresh beginnings.
- Household items – Traditionally connected with maintaining a clean and positive home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dhanteras
How Do You Perform Dhanteras Puja at Home?
Clean the home and puja area, arrange the required items, worship Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi, make traditional offerings and conclude the puja with Aarti.
What Is the Ritual of Dhanteras?
The traditional ritual includes cleaning the home, decorating it with diyas and rangoli, performing Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja, making offerings and praying for prosperity, health and well-being.
What Are the 5 Steps of Puja?
The five basic steps are: clean and prepare the puja area, arrange the puja items, worship Lakshmi and Ganesha, make the offerings, and perform Aarti.
What Should I Do on Dhanteras?
Clean and decorate your home, perform Dhanteras Puja, light diyas, make traditional offerings and purchase auspicious items according to your family traditions.
What Is the Significance of Dhanteras?
Dhanteras is traditionally associated with wealth, prosperity, health and auspicious beginnings. It is a day to pray for the well-being of the family and welcome the Diwali season with devotion.
What Is Dhanteras Puja Muhurat 2026?
In New Delhi, the Dhanteras Puja Muhurat 2026 is 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM on November 6. Muhurat timings vary by location, so check the local Panchang for your city. citeturn0search0
Dhanteras is more than a day associated with wealth. It is a time to clean, pray, come together and welcome the festive season with gratitude, faith and positivity.
