The festive season in India begins with the arrival of Dhanteras, a day when homes are cleaned, markets fill with shoppers and families prepare to welcome prosperity and good fortune. From buying gold and silver to bringing home new utensils, the festival is associated with several traditions that have been followed for generations.
Dhanteras 2026: Date, Puja Muhurat, Significance And Traditions
If you are planning to celebrate Dhanteras this year, here is everything you need to know about its date, puja muhurat, significance and traditional customs.
Also known as Dhantrayodashi, Dhanteras holds a special place in the five-day Diwali celebrations. While many people consider it an auspicious occasion for purchasing precious metals, the festival has a deeper significance connected with health, wealth and well-being. If you are planning to celebrate Dhanteras this year, here is everything you need to know about its date, puja muhurat, significance and traditional customs.
Dhanteras 2026: Date and Day
In 2026, Dhanteras will be celebrated on Friday, November 6. It falls on the Trayodashi Tithi (thirteenth lunar day) of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik.
Dhanteras is celebrated two days before Diwali and marks the beginning of the main festive celebrations in many parts of the country. Families begin their preparations by cleaning and decorating their homes, shopping for auspicious items and arranging the materials needed for the evening puja.
Dhanteras 2026 Puja Muhurat
The evening is considered particularly auspicious for Dhanteras puja. Devotees worship Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera, seeking blessings for good health, prosperity and financial stability. For 2026, a commonly published puja window is approximately 5:33 pm to 7:24 pm on November 6. The exact muhurat may vary depending on the city and local Panchang, so devotees should confirm the timings with their regional calendar or priest before performing the rituals.
The Trayodashi Tithi is expected to begin on November 5 at around 9 pm and continue until approximately 9:17 pm on November 6.
Why Is Dhanteras Celebrated? Understanding Its Significance
The word Dhanteras comes from two Sanskrit-derived words: 'Dhan', meaning wealth, and 'Teras', referring to the thirteenth day of the lunar fortnight. However, the festival is not limited to material prosperity. It also highlights the importance of good health, long life and overall well-being.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the Samudra Manthan, or the churning of the cosmic ocean, carrying a pot of amrit (nectar of immortality). He is regarded as the divine physician and associated with Ayurveda and healing. His appearance is celebrated as Dhanvantari Jayanti, which is observed on Dhanteras.
The festival is also associated with Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, and Lord Kubera, who is worshipped as the treasurer of the gods. Devotees believe that worshipping these deities on this day brings abundance, happiness and stability into their homes. Another important tradition associated with Dhanteras is Yama Deepam, in which a lamp is lit in the evening to seek protection from untimely death.
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Dhanteras Traditions: What Do People Do on This Day?
One of the most familiar traditions of Dhanteras is buying something new for the household. Gold and silver jewellery, coins, utensils and other metal items are considered auspicious purchases. Many families also prefer buying brass and copper utensils, believing that bringing home something new symbolises prosperity.
However, shopping is only one part of the celebration. Some of the other important traditions include:
Cleaning and decorating the house: Families clean their homes before the festival and decorate entrances with rangoli, flowers and torans. Small footprints representing the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi are sometimes drawn near the entrance.
Performing Lakshmi and Dhanvantari Puja: In the evening, families prepare a small place of worship with idols or pictures of the deities. Flowers, sweets, fruits, incense and lamps are offered during the prayers.
Lighting Yama Deepam: A traditional earthen lamp, often placed outside the main entrance, is lit in the evening in honour of Yama, the god of death. This ritual is performed with the belief that it protects family members from untimely death.
Buying precious metals and utensils: Gold, silver, brass and copper purchases are popular on Dhanteras. For many households, even a small silver coin or a new utensil is enough to mark the occasion.
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What Should You Buy on Dhanteras?
Gold and silver remain among the most popular purchases, but there is no need to make an expensive purchase to celebrate the festival. Many families buy small silver coins, brass diyas, copper vessels or new kitchen utensils.
People also shop for home appliances, vehicles and other household essentials during this period. The choice often depends on family traditions, personal preferences and budget.
Rather than buying something simply because it is considered auspicious, it is sensible to choose items that are useful and fit your budget.
Celebrate Dhanteras with Health, Happiness and Prosperity
Dhanteras is a reminder that prosperity means more than having wealth. Good health, peace at home, strong family relationships and a sense of security are equally important.
As families light their first festive diyas, decorate their homes and prepare for Diwali, the festival offers an opportunity to welcome the season with gratitude and positivity. Whether you buy a piece of jewellery, a new utensil or simply light a small diya at your doorstep, the spirit of Dhanteras lies in celebrating well-being and hoping for a happier year ahead.
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