Dhanteras 2026 falls on Friday, 6 November 2026. Also known as Dhantrayodashi, it marks the beginning of the Diwali festivities. People traditionally buy gold, silver and utensils, worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari, and light a diya for Yamraj. Here’s the date, puja and shopping muhurat, traditional buying customs, Yam Deepam and the story behind the festival.
When Is Dhanteras in 2026?
Dhanteras will be celebrated on Friday, 6 November 2026, on Kartik Krishna Trayodashi. The Trayodashi tithi begins on 6 November and continues until the morning of 7 November. Dhanteras is traditionally observed at sunset on the date when Trayodashi prevails.
Dhanteras 2026 Date and Trayodashi Tithi
| Detail | Date and time |
| Dhanteras date | Friday, 6 November 2026 |
| Trayodashi tithi begins | 10:30 AM, 6 November |
| Trayodashi tithi ends | 10:47 AM, 7 November |
| Source | Drik Panchang, New Delhi |
Some calendars may show different timings depending on the location and the Panchang calculation used. If you’re wondering dhanteras kab hai, the date for New Delhi is 6 November 2026. Check your local Panchang before performing rituals.
Dhanteras Puja Muhurat 2026 (New Delhi)
The Dhanteras puja muhurat in New Delhi is 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM on Friday, 6 November 2026. The window falls during Pradosh Kaal, the period after sunset traditionally considered suitable for the evening puja.
Muhurat timings vary by city. In Kolkata, the listed puja window is 5:28 PM to 7:26 PM IST. Always check your local Panchang before beginning the puja. For the ritual steps, read our guide on how to do Dhanteras puja at home. Drik Panchang
Dhanteras Shopping Muhurat 2026: Best Time to Buy
Dhanteras shopping is traditionally done during Trayodashi, with many families choosing an auspicious Choghadiya window. For New Delhi, the following windows are listed for 6 November 2026:
- 7:59 AM–9:21 AM: Labh Choghadiya
- 12:05 PM–1:27 PM: Shubh Choghadiya
- 8:49 PM–10:27 PM: Labh Choghadiya
These are traditional auspicious windows, not a guarantee of prosperity. They are separate from the evening Dhanteras puja muhurat. Check the latest local Panchang before finalising your shopping time. Drik Panchang
What to Buy on Dhanteras
Buying certain items on Dhanteras is considered auspicious in many Hindu households. These customs symbolise prosperity, good fortune and a fresh beginning.
- Gold and silver: Jewellery and coins are popular choices, often associated with prosperity.
- Brass or copper utensils: Traditional metal utensils are bought for the home.
- Lakshmi-Ganesha idols: Families may bring home idols for Diwali worship.
- Dhaniya seeds: Coriander seeds are used in some regional rituals as a symbol of abundance.
- A new broom: In some traditions, a broom represents cleanliness and removing unwanted influences.
- Diyas: Earthen lamps are used for worship and festive decoration.
You do not need to make an expensive purchase to observe Dhanteras. Choose something meaningful and within your budget.
What Not to Buy or Do on Dhanteras
Customs differ across regions and families, so there is no single list of things everyone must avoid. Some households traditionally avoid buying iron items, black-coloured objects, sharp tools or empty utensils on Dhanteras.
If your family follows these customs, you can observe them according to your tradition. Otherwise, treat them as regional beliefs rather than universal rules. Avoid unnecessary spending or borrowing just to make a festive purchase.
What Is Yam Deepam and How to Light It?
Yam Deepam is a diya traditionally lit at dusk on Dhanteras in honour of Yamraj, the deity associated with death. It is believed that lighting the lamp and offering prayers seek protection from untimely death and well-being for the family.
A simple traditional method:
- Clean the area near your home’s entrance.
- Place an earthen diya with oil or ghee and a cotton wick.
- Light it after sunset, following your family’s custom.
- In many traditions, the diya is placed outside and directed towards the south.
- Offer a prayer to Yamraj for the family’s well-being.
Keep the diya on a stable, fire-safe surface away from curtains, dry decorations and other flammable items.
Dhanteras Katha: Why Is Dhanteras Celebrated?
Dhanteras is associated with Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi and the tradition of lighting a lamp for Yamraj. These stories explain why the festival is connected with health, prosperity and prayers for a long life.
Lord Dhanvantari and Samudra Manthan
According to Hindu tradition, Lord Dhanvantari emerged during the Samudra Manthan, or churning of the cosmic ocean, carrying a pot of amrit, the nectar of immortality. He is revered as the divine physician and associated with Ayurveda.
This story is one reason Dhanteras is also observed as Dhanvantari Jayanti. Worshipping Lord Dhanvantari is traditionally associated with prayers for health and well-being.
Yamraj and the Story of the 16-Year-Old Prince
Another popular Dhanteras story tells of a young prince whose horoscope predicted that he would die from a snakebite on the fourth night of his marriage.
According to the legend, his wife placed gold and silver ornaments and lamps near the entrance, keeping the area brightly lit. She stayed awake, singing and telling stories to keep her husband alert. When Yamraj arrived in the form of a serpent, the light and sounds prevented him from reaching the prince.
The prince was spared, and the story became associated with lighting Yam Deepam. It is a traditional tale explaining the ritual, not a guarantee of protection.
For more about the festival’s beliefs and customs, read our guide to Dhanteras significance and traditions.
What Is the Meaning of Dhanteras?
The word Dhanteras combines dhan, meaning wealth, and teras, referring to the thirteenth lunar day, or Trayodashi. The festival is also called Dhantrayodashi. Its traditions centre on worship, well-being and prosperity as families prepare for Diwali.
Dhanteras Puja at Home: Quick Steps
For a simple Dhanteras puja at home:
- Clean the puja area and decorate the entrance.
- Place the idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha and, where customary, Lord Dhanvantari.
- Light a diya and offer flowers, sweets and traditional offerings.
- Pray for the family’s well-being and prosperity.
- Light Yam Deepam according to your family’s tradition.
For detailed rituals and offerings, follow our Dhanteras puja vidhi guide.
Dhanteras Rangoli and Decoration Ideas
Make your home festive with a simple rangoli at the entrance, rows of earthen diyas, fresh flowers and warm lights. Traditional motifs such as lotus flowers, footprints and geometric patterns are popular choices. Keep the decoration simple and ensure that lamps are placed safely.
Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj: The 5-Day Diwali Calendar
Here are the key dates in the 2026 Diwali series. These dates follow the festival calendar supplied for this series; regional observances can differ.
| Festival | Date |
| Dhanteras | Friday, 6 November 2026 |
| Narak Chaturdashi / Choti Diwali | Sunday, 8 November 2026 |
| Diwali / Lakshmi Puja | Sunday, 8 November 2026 |
| Govardhan Puja / Annakut | Tuesday, 10 November 2026 |
| Bhai Dooj | Wednesday, 11 November 2026 |
Read our guides to Lakshmi Puja, Choti Diwali, the Diwali 2026 date and five-day calendar and Bhai Dooj 2026.
Listen to Lakshmi Bhajans
Make your Dhanteras puja more devotional with Lakshmi bhajans from Soulful Bhajans. Explore our devotional videos and play a bhajan during your prayers.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Dhanteras in 2026?
Dhanteras falls on Friday, 6 November 2026. The Trayodashi tithi continues until 10:47 AM on 7 November, according to Drik Panchang for New Delhi.
What is the shopping muhurat for Dhanteras?
For New Delhi, traditional Choghadiya windows on 6 November include 7:59–9:21 AM, 12:05–1:27 PM and 8:49–10:27 PM. Check the local Panchang for the most appropriate timing.
What should we buy on Dhanteras?
Gold, silver, traditional metal utensils, Lakshmi-Ganesha idols, coriander seeds, a broom and diyas are among the items people traditionally buy. Choose according to your customs and budget.
What should not be bought on Dhanteras?
Some families avoid iron items, black-coloured objects, sharp tools and empty utensils. These are regional or family customs, not universal rules.
What is Yam Deepam?
Yam Deepam is a diya lit at dusk in honour of Yamraj. In many traditions, it is placed outside the home facing south, accompanied by prayers for the family’s well-being.
Why is Dhanteras also called Dhantrayodashi?
“Dhan” means wealth, while “Trayodashi” refers to the thirteenth lunar day. The name reflects the festival’s association with prosperity and the Trayodashi tithi.
Is Dhanteras on 6 or 7 November 2026?
For New Delhi, Dhanteras is observed on Friday, 6 November 2026, when Trayodashi prevails during the evening. The tithi ends on the morning of 7 November. Always consult the local Panchang for regional timings.
