Dhanteras 2026: Is It on November 6 or 7? Date, Puja Muhurat and Shopping Guide

Dhanteras is one of the most important festivals celebrated before Diwali in India. It marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festivities and is associated with wealth, good health, prosperity and new beginnings. From buying gold and silver to bringing home new utensils, people celebrate this day with excitement and hope for a happy and successful year ahead.

But one question comes up every year: When is Dhanteras, and what is the correct date for celebrating it?

In 2026, Dhanteras will be celebrated on Friday, November 6, according to the calendar details provided for this article. The festival falls on Kartik Krishna Trayodashi, the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight in the Hindu lunar month of Kartik.

Let's understand the significance of Dhanteras, its date, the expected puja timings, popular shopping traditions and the simple steps to perform the puja at home.

When Is Dhanteras in 2026: November 6 or 7?

According to the Hindu Panchang timings provided for this article, the Trayodashi Tithi begins at approximately 9:30 AM on November 6 and ends at around 11:45 AM on November 7, 2026.

Even though the tithi continues into the next morning, Dhanteras is observed on November 6 because the relevant evening observance falls on that date.

Dhanteras is also known as Dhan Trayodashi or Dhanvantari Trayodashi. The word Dhan means wealth, while Teras refers to the thirteenth lunar day.

The festival is traditionally associated with the worship of Lord Dhanvantari, Lord Kubera and Goddess Lakshmi. People pray for good health, financial stability and happiness for their families.

Important: Puja timings can vary according to the city and local Panchang. Check a reliable local calendar before planning your shopping or evening puja.

Dhanteras 2026: Shopping and Puja Muhurat

Buying something new on Dhanteras is a popular tradition in Indian households. Many families plan their purchases in advance, whether it is jewellery, utensils, a household appliance or something they have been saving for.

The following timings are based on the schedule provided in the original information and should be verified against a local Panchang.

• Dhanteras date: Friday, November 6, 2026

• Shopping window: Approximately 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM

• Evening puja muhurat: Approximately 6:18 PM to 8:10 PM

The evening puja is an important part of the celebration, as many families light diyas, worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera, and pray for prosperity.

If you are planning to buy gold, silver or other items, remember that the best purchase is one that fits your budget. The festival can be celebrated meaningfully without spending a large amount of money.

Why Is Dhanteras Celebrated?

Dhanteras has both religious and cultural significance. One of its most important associations is with Lord Dhanvantari, who is traditionally regarded as the divine physician in Hindu mythology and connected with Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of health and wellness.

According to Hindu tradition, Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the ocean during the Samudra Manthan, the legendary churning of the cosmic ocean. His appearance is associated with health, healing and well-being.

Lord Kubera is worshipped as the deity associated with wealth and treasure, while Goddess Lakshmi represents prosperity, abundance and good fortune.

For this reason, many households perform puja on Dhanteras to seek blessings for good health, financial well-being and peace.

The tradition of purchasing new items is also an important part of the festival. Gold, silver and utensils are commonly bought because they are traditionally associated with prosperity and auspicious beginnings.

However, these purchases are matters of faith and custom. They do not guarantee financial success, and people can celebrate according to their personal beliefs and circumstances.

What Should You Buy on Dhanteras 2026?

Shopping is one of the most exciting parts of Dhanteras. Markets and jewellery shops often become busy as families prepare for Diwali.

Here are some popular items people traditionally purchase on this day.

1. Gold and Silver

Gold and silver jewellery, coins and other precious-metal items are among the most popular Dhanteras purchases. Many families consider them symbols of prosperity and long-term value.

If you plan to buy jewellery, compare prices, check making charges and ensure that the product has appropriate purity and authenticity markings.

2. New Utensils

Buying metal utensils is another long-standing Dhanteras tradition. People commonly purchase brass, copper or stainless-steel utensils for their kitchens.

Some families bring the utensils home and use them during their Diwali preparations.

3. A Broom

In several Indian traditions, buying a new broom on Dhanteras is considered auspicious. It is symbolically associated with cleanliness and removing unwanted things from the home before welcoming prosperity.

4. Coriander Seeds

Dry coriander seeds, known as dhania, are also considered auspicious in some communities. They may be purchased for household use or included in traditional worship practices.

5. Lakshmi-Ganesha Idols

Some families purchase new idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha for their Diwali puja. Lord Ganesha is worshipped for wisdom and the removal of obstacles, while Goddess Lakshmi is associated with prosperity.

6. Household Items and Electronics

Dhanteras shopping does not have to be limited to precious metals. Many people choose useful items such as kitchen appliances, mobile phones, electronics or furniture.

Buying something your family genuinely needs can also be a practical way to mark the occasion.

Dhanteras Puja Vidhi: How to Perform the Puja at Home

Performing Dhanteras puja at home can be simple. Families may follow different customs depending on their region and traditions, but these are common steps.

Step 1: Clean Your Home

Clean the house and organise the puja area before the evening ceremony. Many families decorate their entrances with rangoli and flowers.

Step 2: Prepare the Puja Space

Place a clean cloth on a small platform and arrange the idols or pictures of the deities you worship. Keep a diya, flowers, incense, kumkum, sandalwood paste, fruits and sweets ready.

Step 3: Light the Diya

Light a diya and begin the puja with a calm mind. Many households worship Lord Ganesha before proceeding with prayers to other deities.

Step 4: Worship Lord Dhanvantari, Lord Kubera and Goddess Lakshmi

Offer flowers, fruits, sweets and other customary items to the deities. Pray for good health, peace, financial stability and happiness for your family.

Step 5: Offer Prayers and Perform Aarti

Recite your preferred prayers or mantras according to your family's customs. Conclude the ceremony with aarti and distribute prasad among family members.

Step 6: Light Diyas Around the Home

Many families light additional diyas around their homes as part of their Diwali preparations. In some traditions, a diya is also lit in honour of Yama, the deity associated with death, as a prayer for protection and well-being.

Follow your family's customary practices and the guidance of a trusted priest if you need help with specific rituals.

Final Thoughts

Dhanteras is more than a day for shopping. It is a festival that brings families together through prayer, preparation and hopes for a prosperous future.

Whether you buy gold, bring home new utensils, purchase something useful or simply perform a small puja, the festival can be celebrated in a way that suits your family and budget.

As Dhanteras 2026 approaches, plan your purchases carefully, check the local puja timings and enjoy the beginning of the Diwali celebrations with happiness, gratitude and positivity.