The markets are already glowing, jewellers are busy, and homes across the country are being cleaned from top to bottom, because Dhanteras is almost here. It’s the first day of the five-day Diwali festival, and it’s all about welcoming health, wealth and good fortune into your home. This year, Dhanteras falls on Friday, November 6, 2026. On this day, families worship Lord Dhanvantari for good health, Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and Lord Kubera for financial stability, and many buy gold, silver or a new utensil. Here’s everything you need to know, from the date and muhurat to the puja vidhi and mantras.
Dhanteras 2026 date and tithi
Dhanteras is observed on Trayodashi, the thirteenth day of the waning moon in the month of Kartik. In 2026, the Trayodashi tithi begins at about 10:30 AM on November 6 and ends at around 10:47 AM on November 7. Since the puja is performed in the evening, in Pradosh Kaal, the festival is celebrated on Friday, November 6, when Trayodashi is present at that time.
Puja muhurat and Pradosh Kaal
The best time for Lakshmi puja on Dhanteras is during Pradosh Kaal, which begins after sunset, particularly during Vrishabha Lagna, which is considered a stable time. For New Delhi, Pradosh Kaal runs from about 5:33 PM to 8:09 PM, and the Dhanteras puja muhurat is from 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM, a window of nearly two hours. Timings differ from city to city, and these are approximate puja muhurats:Delhi: 6:02 PM to 7:57 PMMumbai: 6:35 PM to 8:35 PMBengaluru: 6:25 PM to 8:20 PMKolkata: 5:28 PM to 7:26 PMAhmedabad: 6:30 PM to 8:28 PMPune: 6:32 PM to 8:31 PMChennai: 6:14 PM to 8:10 PM
Muhurat to buy gold and silver
Gold, silver and utensils can be bought any time after the Trayodashi tithi begins on November 6, and many people consider the entire day auspicious. If you’d like to pick a specific window, the Pradosh and Vrishabha Kaal period in the evening is widely considered the best. Based on the Choghadiya for Delhi, other good windows are the Shubh muhurat from 12:04 PM to 1:26 PM, Char from 4:10 PM to 5:32 PM and Labh from 8:48 PM to 10:27 PM. Check your local panchang for your city.
What to buy, and what to avoid
Traditionally, people buy gold or silver coins, jewellery, and brass, copper or steel utensils. A new broom and whole coriander seeds are also considered auspicious. A small silver coin or a single new utensil is perfectly fine, so there’s no need to stretch your budget. Many families avoid buying iron items and sharp objects like knives and scissors on this day, and they bring home utensils filled with something, rather than empty. Customs vary by region, so follow your family tradition.
Dhanteras puja vidhi at home
A simple puja at home is enough. Here’s a step-by-step guide:Clean your home, decorate the entrance with rangoli and hang a mango leaf toran on the main door.Take a bath before the puja and wear clean clothes.Place a chowki with a clean red or yellow cloth, and set up images or idols of Ganesha, Dhanvantari, Lakshmi and Kubera.Light a ghee diya and incense, and begin by worshipping Lord Ganesha.Worship Lord Dhanvantari, followed by Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera, offering flowers, haldi, kumkum, akshat, sweets and fruits.Place your newly bought gold, silver coins or utensils on the chowki and offer prayers.Perform aarti, and then share the prasad with family.
Mantras to chant
You can chant these during the puja, and you can use the shorter versions if you prefer.Lord Dhanvantari: “Om Dhanvantaraye Namah”Goddess Lakshmi: “Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Kamale Kamalalaye Prasida Prasida Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah”Lord Kubera: “Om Yakshaya Kuberaya Vaishravanaya Dhanadhanyadhipataye Dhanadhanyasamriddhim Me Dehi Dapaya Swaha”
Yama Deepam: the lamp at the door
After the puja, at dusk, a special lamp called the Yama Deepam is lit in honour of Yama, the god of death, to protect the family. Take a clay lamp filled with mustard oil, with four wicks, and place it outside the main door, facing south. Light it within Pradosh Kaal, ideally before 8:09 PM in Delhi. Many families also light thirteen small diyas around the house.
A festival about more than gold
At its heart, Dhanteras isn’t just about buying something shiny. It’s a reminder that health is the first wealth, and that gratitude brings prosperity. Whether you buy a gold coin, a steel vessel or nothing at all, a clean home, a lit lamp and a thankful heart are a lovely way to begin Diwali. Happy Dhanteras to you and your family.
Disclaimer:
This article is intended for general informational purposes only. Muhurat timings are based on published panchang data and can vary by city, so please check a local panchang or consult your family priest. Rituals and customs differ by region and tradition. Take care when using lamps, diyas and incense, and keep them away from curtains, decorations and children. Buy gold and silver from trusted, hallmarked sellers and within your budget.
