Dhanteras marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival and holds great importance in Hindu tradition. People celebrate this auspicious occasion by worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kuber and Lord Dhanvantari. Families clean and decorate their homes, light diyas and purchase gold, silver, utensils and other household items. Many believe these traditions invite wealth, prosperity, good health and happiness.
Dhanteras is also known as Dhantrayodashi. The festival falls on the thirteenth day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik. The word ‘Dhan’ means wealth, while ‘Teras’ refers to the thirteenth lunar day.
📅 Dhanteras 2026 Date
Dhanteras will be celebrated on Friday, November 6, 2026. The festival falls two days before Diwali and marks the beginning of the main celebrations.
The Trayodashi Tithi will begin at 10:30 AM on November 6 and end at 10:47 AM on November 7. Devotees generally perform the main Dhanteras puja during the evening Pradosh Kaal.
🕉️ Dhanteras 2026 Puja Muhurat
The auspicious puja timings vary from city to city because they depend on the local sunset and planetary calculations.
For Pune, the Dhanteras puja muhurat is 6:32 PM to 8:31 PM on November 6. Devotees should check their local Panchang for the timings applicable to their city.
During this period, families worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber and pray for financial stability, prosperity and happiness.
🪙 What to Buy on Dhanteras 2026?
Buying precious metals and household items is one of the most popular Dhanteras traditions. Many people consider shopping on this day auspicious and associate it with prosperity.
Here are some commonly purchased items:
- Gold: People buy gold coins, jewellery and ornaments as symbols of wealth and prosperity.
- Silver: Silver coins, utensils and idols are popular choices for Dhanteras shopping.
- Utensils: Buying new steel, copper, brass or silver utensils is a traditional practice.
- Broom: Many households purchase a new broom, which is associated with cleanliness and removing negativity.
- Electronic Items: Some families buy appliances, mobile phones and other electronic products.
- Vehicles: Dhanteras is also considered an auspicious occasion for purchasing cars, bikes and other vehicles.
People should make purchases according to their budget rather than feeling pressured to buy expensive items.
🚫 What Should You Avoid Buying on Dhanteras?
Certain traditional beliefs suggest avoiding specific purchases on Dhanteras. These customs may differ across communities and regions.
- Iron Items: Some people avoid buying iron objects because of traditional associations with Shani Dev.
- Sharp Objects: Knives, scissors and other sharp objects are avoided in some households.
- Empty Utensils: Many families prefer bringing new utensils home with something inside, such as rice or sweets.
- Black-Coloured Items: Some traditions consider black an inauspicious colour for festive purchases.
These are cultural beliefs rather than universal religious rules.
📖 The Mythological Story Behind Dhanteras
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the ocean during Samudra Manthan, the churning of the cosmic ocean. He appeared carrying a pot of Amrit, the divine nectar of immortality.
Lord Dhanvantari is regarded as the Hindu god of Ayurveda and medicine. His appearance is associated with health, healing and well-being. Therefore, devotees worship him on Dhanteras and pray for good health.
Another popular belief connects Dhanteras with Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber. Devotees worship them to seek wealth, prosperity and financial stability.
🪔 Why Do People Light Yama Deepak on Dhanteras?
Lighting a lamp for Lord Yama is another important Dhanteras tradition. People call this ritual Yama Deepam or Yamadeepdaan.
According to a popular legend, a king’s son was destined to die from a snakebite shortly after his marriage. His wife tried to protect him by placing gold and silver objects near the entrance. She also lit numerous lamps and kept her husband awake with songs and stories.
When Yama arrived in the form of a serpent, the bright lights and shining objects prevented him from entering. The serpent eventually left without harming the prince.
This story is associated with the tradition of lighting a diya outside the home to pray for protection from untimely death.
🙏 How to Perform Dhanteras Puja at Home
Families follow different customs while performing Dhanteras puja. A simple traditional method includes these steps:
- Clean the house and decorate the entrance with rangoli and flowers.
- Place idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kuber and Lord Dhanvantari.
- Light a diya and offer flowers, fruits, sweets and incense.
- Apply tilak and offer prayers to the deities.
- Recite traditional prayers and seek blessings for health and prosperity.
- Light a Yama Deepak in the evening according to family tradition.
Devotees can also perform the puja according to their family customs and local Panchang.
🌸 Why Is Dhanteras Celebrated?
Dhanteras celebrates the importance of wealth, health and prosperity in everyday life. While Goddess Lakshmi represents wealth and abundance, Lord Kuber is associated with riches and financial prosperity. Lord Dhanvantari represents health and healing.
The festival also encourages people to clean their homes, welcome positive beginnings and prepare for Diwali. For many families, purchasing something new is a symbolic way of celebrating prosperity.
🎉 How Is Dhanteras Celebrated Across India?
Dhanteras celebrations vary across different parts of India. In many households, people decorate their entrances with rangoli, flowers and traditional lamps. Markets display gold jewellery, silver coins, utensils and festive decorations.
In Gujarat and Maharashtra, families follow regional customs and perform Lakshmi-Kuber puja. In northern India, buying gold, silver and utensils remains a popular tradition. Many households also light lamps in the evening and prepare sweets for the festive season.
✨ Conclusion
Dhanteras is more than a festival associated with shopping and buying precious metals. It celebrates the values of health, wealth, happiness and prosperity. Through prayers, traditional rituals and family celebrations, people welcome the Diwali season with hope and positivity.
As Dhanteras 2026 approaches, families can celebrate the occasion by following their traditions, making thoughtful purchases and seeking blessings for a healthy and prosperous year.
