Dhanteras 2026 Date, Muhurat, Puja Vidhi, What to Buy & Complete Guide

Summary

• Date: Dhanteras 2026 is on Friday, 6 November 2026. It is the first day of the five-day Diwali festival.
• Tithi: Trayodashi (the 13th lunar day) begins at about 10:30 AM on 6 November and ends at about 10:48 AM on 7 November.
• Puja time (Delhi): The evening Pradosh Kaal, about 5:32 PM to 7:56 PM, is the time for Lakshmi-Kuber-Dhanvantari puja. Some panchangs name about 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM (Vrishabha lagna) as the most favourable part of it.
• Yama Deepam: One diya is lit after sunset facing the south, at the threshold of the home, for protection from untimely death.
• What to buy: Gold or silver (even a small coin), utensils of copper, brass or steel, a new broom, coriander seeds (dhaniya), a Lakshmi-Ganesh idol or Shri Yantra. Buy only what you can comfortably afford.
• Dhanvantari and health: Dhanteras is also Dhanvantari Jayanti, the day Lord Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods, appeared with the pot of amrit. It is a day to pray for health as well as wealth.
• Is there a puja on Dhanteras at Devpunya? No. Our temple pujas for this festival season are on 7 November (Maha Mrityunjay Jaap and Rudrabhishek at Kashi) and 8 November, Diwali (Lakshmi pujas at Shri Gaja Lakshmi Temple, Ujjain), with a Govardhan special after that. You will find them throughout this guide.
• Next in the series: the Diwali puja at home guide covers the full Lakshmi puja for 8 November.

Part 1: The Basics

What is Dhanteras?

Dhanteras is made of two words: Dhan (wealth) and Teras (the thirteenth day). It falls on the Trayodashi of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in the month of Kartik in the Purnimanta calendar (called Ashwin in the Amanta calendar of Gujarat, Maharashtra and the south). It is also called Dhantrayodashi.

On this day families clean the home, buy something new and auspicious, worship Lakshmi, Kuber and Dhanvantari in the evening, and light a lamp for Yama. It sets the mood for the five days of Diwali:

Dates are for India as published in Devpunya's panchang. Please confirm with your local panchang.

Why is Dhanteras celebrated?

Because of two traditions that come together on this day:

1. The appearance of Lord Dhanvantari. In the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), the physician of the gods, Dhanvantari, rose from the ocean holding a pot of amrit (the nectar of immortality) on Trayodashi. He is worshipped as the god of Ayurveda and good health. Dhanteras is therefore also observed as Dhanvantari Jayanti, and in India it is also marked as National Ayurveda Day.
2. Wealth and Lakshmi. The festival opens the season of Lakshmi worship. Families welcome prosperity into the home, and traditionally buy gold, silver and utensils.

There is also a story for Yama Deepam (see Part 4).

When did this tradition start?

No one can name a year. It comes from the Puranic stories and from centuries of family custom. The details differ from region to region, but the three elements, Dhanvantari, Lakshmi-Kuber and the lamp for Yama, are found in most traditions.

Part 2: Date, Tithi and Muhurat

When is Dhanteras in 2026?

Friday, 6 November 2026. Trayodashi tithi runs from about 10:30 AM on 6 November to about 10:48 AM on 7 November. Because Trayodashi is present at the evening Pradosh Kaal on 6 November, that is the day on which the Dhanteras puja is done.

What are the puja and shopping timings (New Delhi)?

Panchang sources differ by a few minutes, and a few sites quote slightly different Pradosh windows. Timings change by city, so check yours.

What is the best time to buy gold and other items?

Once Trayodashi has begun, from about 10:30 AM on 6 November, until it ends at about 10:48 AM on 7 November. Within that time, many families prefer:

• Afternoon: The Shubh choghadiya, about 12:04 PM to 1:26 PM (Delhi)
• Evening: The Pradosh Kaal, about 5:32 PM to 7:56 PM, just before or after the puja
• Late evening: The Labh choghadiya, about 10:26 PM to 12:04 AM, for those who shop late

Choghadiya is used for ordinary buying. The Dhanteras puja itself follows the Pradosh Kaal. If you cannot buy at one of these times, buy when you can on Trayodashi. The intent and sincerity matter more than the minute.

Can I buy on 7 November?

Yes, until Trayodashi ends at about 10:48 AM on 7 November. Many families who miss the day buy in the morning of 7 November, or make a booking earlier and take delivery on Dhanteras.

Can I book earlier and take delivery on Dhanteras?

Yes. Many people book gold coins, a vehicle or a property in advance and collect on Dhanteras. Say a short prayer when you take it home.

Part 3: What to Buy on Dhanteras, and What to Avoid

What is traditionally bought?

What should I avoid buying?

Practices vary, but the commonly mentioned items to avoid are:

• Iron (and objects made of iron), sharp objects like knives and scissors
• Black items and glass or plastic items for the puja
• Aluminium utensils
• Leather
• Anything you cannot afford. Do not take a loan to buy gold on Dhanteras.

Many families accept stainless steel utensils, while others prefer copper or brass. Follow your family.

What if I cannot afford gold or silver?

A small purchase is enough: a utensil, a broom, coriander seeds, a diya, or a coin of any metal. The tradition is about welcoming good fortune and being grateful, not about how much you spend. Buying nothing and offering your sincere prayer is also a complete Dhanteras.

Should I clean old gold and silver?

Yes. Many families clean their gold, silver and coins with water, a little turmeric or milk and keep them in the puja. This is part of the preparation, not a rule.

Part 4: The Stories

The story of Lord Dhanvantari

When the gods and demons churned the ocean of milk (Samudra Manthan), many treasures came out, including Lakshmi, the Kamadhenu cow and the Kalpavriksha. Last of all, Lord Dhanvantari rose from the ocean with a pot of amrit in his hand. He is believed to be an avatar of Lord Vishnu, and is shown with four arms, holding a conch, a discus, a leech (some versions say a herb) and the pot of amrit. This day, Trayodashi, is celebrated as his birthday, and families pray to him for health and a long life. Doctors and Ayurveda practitioners worship him on this day.

The story of Yama Deepam (the prince of sixteen years)

A king named Hima had a son whose horoscope said he would die of a snake bite on the fourth day after his wedding. The young prince's bride, who was determined to save him, took charge of the night. She heaped all her gold and silver ornaments and coins at the door of the bedroom, lit lamps all around, and stayed up telling stories and singing songs to keep her husband awake.

When Yama, the god of death, came in the form of a snake, the glare of the lamps and the sparkle of the jewels dazzled his eyes. He could not enter the room. He sat on the heap of coins, listening to the songs, and when dawn came he quietly left. The prince was saved.

Since then, a lamp is lit for Yama on Dhanteras night, and the day is called Yamadeepdan.

Stories vary in detail between regions. This is a widely told version.

Part 5: How to Do the Dhanteras Puja at Home

What do I need?

Essentials

• A chowki (wooden seat) with a red or yellow cloth
• Pictures or idols of Lakshmi ji, Ganesh ji, Kuber ji and Dhanvantari ji (if you have only Lakshmi-Ganesh, that is enough)
• A kalash with water, mango leaves and a coconut
• Roli, haldi, akshat (rice), chandan, mauli
• Flowers (marigold, lotus if possible) and a garland
• Incense, camphor, ghee and a ghee diya, plus 13 clay diyas (the number linked to Trayodashi; any number is fine)
• Naivedya: sweets, fruits, batasha, dhaniya with gud, kheer
• The items you bought: the gold or silver coin, utensil, broom or yantra
• Coins and currency notes, and your account book or cash box
• A flour (atta) diya or clay diya and mustard oil for Yama Deepam

Add-ons if you have time

• Shri Yantra, Kuber yantra, gomti chakra, kauri
• Panchamrit for the bath of the idols or the yantra
• Herbs or an Ayurvedic item (tulsi, a little turmeric) as an offering to Dhanvantari
• A lotus for Lakshmi ji
• A silver coin for the tijori

What is the vidhi, step by step?

Do the puja in the evening, in the Pradosh Kaal, after cleaning the house and taking a bath.

1. Clean and decorate. Clean the home, make a rangoli at the door, and hang a toran of mango leaves and marigold. Place the broom (new or old) in a corner of the house.
2. Set up the chowki. Spread the cloth, place Ganesh ji, Lakshmi ji, Kuber ji and Dhanvantari ji, and put the kalash in front. Place the coins, jewellery, the new purchase and the account book on a plate.
3. Light the diya and incense. Sit facing east or north.
4. Achaman. Sip water three times: ॐ केशवाय नमः। ॐ नारायणाय नमः। ॐ माधवाय नमः। Then wash your hands.
5. Sankalp. With water, rice and a flower in your hand, say in your own words: "Today is Dhanteras. I am worshipping Lord Dhanvantari, Mata Lakshmi and Kuber ji for the health, wealth and happiness of my family."
6. Ganesh puja. Offer a flower and sweet with ॐ गं गणपतये नमः। (Om gam ganapataye namah) 11 times.
7. Dhanvantari puja. Offer a tilak, flowers, incense, a diya and naivedya. Chant the Dhanvantari mantra (below).
8. Lakshmi and Kuber puja. Offer a tilak, flowers, dhaniya and gud, a sweet, and coins. Chant the Lakshmi and Kuber mantras (below).
9. Worship what you bought. Apply roli and akshat to the new purchase, and place it in front of the deities.
10. Aarti. Do the aarti of Ganesh ji, then Lakshmi ji (texts are in the Diwali puja guide), and Dhanvantari ji's aarti if you know it.
11. Kshama prarthana. Ask forgiveness for any mistakes.
12. Yama Deepam (see below).
13. Distribute prasad and light the remaining diyas around the house.

Which mantras should I chant?

Dhanvantari (for health):

ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय धन्वन्तरये अमृतकलशहस्ताय सर्वामयविनाशनाय त्रैलोक्यनाथाय श्रीमहाविष्णवे नमः॥ Om namo bhagavate Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye amritakalashahastaya sarvamayavinashanaya trailokyanathaya Shri Mahavishnave namah.

A short form is ॐ धन्वन्तरये नमः। (Om Dhanvantaraye namah), chanted 11 or 108 times.

The widely recited Dhanvantari dhyana verse:

शङ्खं चक्रं जलौकां दधदमृतघटं चारुदोर्भिश्चतुर्भिः। सूक्ष्मस्वच्छातिहृद्यांशुकपरिविलसन्मौलिमम्भोजनेत्रम्॥ कालाम्भोधोज्ज्वलाङ्गं कटितटविलसच्चारुपीताम्बराढ्यम्। वन्दे धन्वन्तरिं तं निखिलगदवनप्रौढदावाग्निलीलम्॥

Lakshmi:

ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं श्रीं महालक्ष्म्यै नमः॥ (Om shreem hreem shreem Mahalakshmyai namah), 11 or 108 times

Kuber:

ॐ यक्षाय कुबेराय वैश्रवणाय धनधान्याधिपतये धनधान्यसमृद्धिं मे देहि दापय स्वाहा॥ Om yakshaya Kuberaya Vaishravanaya dhanadhanyadhipataye dhanadhanyasamriddhim me dehi dapaya swaha.

If you know none of these, chant "ॐ श्री महालक्ष्म्यै नमः" or simply pray in your own words. The text above is widely recited; if your family or pandit follows a slightly different version, follow that.

What is Yama Deepam, and how do I do it?

Yama Deepam (or Yamadeepdan) is the lamp for Yama, the god of death. It is done for protection of the family from untimely death and misfortune.

1. Make the diya. Use a clay diya or a chaumukha (four-faced) diya made of wheat flour (atta), with four wicks and mustard oil.
2. When. After sunset, in the Pradosh Kaal, after the puja. Delhi sources quote about 5:33 PM to 6:51 PM.
3. Where. Outside the main door or at the threshold of the courtyard or in a safe place outside the house.
4. Direction. Place it facing south, the direction of Yama.
5. Light it and offer a flower and a drop of water. Then recite the traditional verse:

मृत्युना पाशदण्डाभ्यां कालेन श्यामया सह। त्रयोदश्यां दीपदानात् सूर्यजः प्रीयतां मम॥ Mrityuna pashadandabhyam kalena shyamaya saha; trayodashyam deepadanat suryajah priyatam mama. (By offering this lamp on Trayodashi, may Yama, the son of the Sun, along with Death, the noose and the rod, be pleased with me.)

1. Leave it without looking back at it, as per the tradition, and go back inside.

If you live in an apartment, place the diya on the doorstep or the balcony facing south, in a safe holder away from anything flammable.

Part 6: Preparing for the Rest of Diwali

What should I do on Dhanteras to prepare for Diwali?

• Finish cleaning the house, especially the entrance, kitchen and puja room.
• Buy your Diwali puja samagri: diyas, wicks, ghee, flowers, sweets, batasha, khil, Lakshmi-Ganesh idols and the Saraswati picture.
• Decorate with rangoli, torans and lights.
• Prepare the sweets or order them in advance.
• Plan the puja time for Diwali (8 November) in your city.
• Plan your charity. Keep clothes, food or money aside to give to those in need.

Why do some people start health practices on Dhanteras?

Because Dhanvantari is the god of health. Many families do a health checkup, begin a yoga or Ayurvedic routine, or donate medicine or food to the needy on this day. It is a gentle way of honouring the "health is wealth" idea.

Do I need to fast on Dhanteras?

No, it is not a fasting day for most families. Some people eat only a light, sattvic diet till the puja. Follow your family's practice.

Part 7: Do's and Don'ts

Do's

• Do clean the house and decorate the entrance.
• Do the puja in the evening in the Pradosh Kaal.
• Do buy something, however small, and worship it.
• Do light diyas, and a Yama Deepam facing south.
• Do worship Ganesh ji first.
• Do pray for health as well as wealth.
• Do give to the needy, and feed a cow if you can.
• Do spend within your means.
• Do speak gently and keep the house peaceful.

Don'ts

• Don't take a loan or overspend just to buy gold.
• Don't buy iron, sharp objects or black items for the puja.
• Don't lend or give away money on Dhanteras, if your family follows this belief. Many avoid lending on the day.
• Don't leave the house dirty or the entrance dark.
• Don't quarrel or shout.
• Don't consume alcohol or non-vegetarian food on the day.
• Don't be disheartened if you cannot do everything. A small diya lit with devotion is enough.

Part 8: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is Dhanteras on 5 November or 6 November in 2026?

6 November (Friday). Trayodashi begins at about 10:30 AM on 6 November and is present at the evening Pradosh Kaal on that day. On 5 November, Trayodashi has not yet begun (it is Rama Ekadashi and then Dwadashi).

Q2. Can I do the Lakshmi puja on Dhanteras instead of Diwali?

The main Lakshmi Puja is on Diwali (8 November), in the Pradosh Kaal on Amavasya. On Dhanteras, the evening puja is for Lakshmi, Kuber and Dhanvantari, and it is a welcome. Many families do both, a short puja on Dhanteras and the full puja on Diwali. See the complete Diwali puja guide.

Q3. Why do we light 13 diyas on Dhanteras?

Trayodashi is the 13th day, so many families light 13 diyas. Some light 13 around the home and one more for Yama. Others light 5, 7, 11 or 21. There is no strict rule, and one diya lit with devotion is enough.

Q4. Why buy utensils on Dhanteras?

Because Lord Dhanvantari appeared with a pot (kalash) of amrit. A new utensil, particularly a pot, stands for abundance and for bringing the "amrit kalash" into the home. Families often cook a first sweet or offering in it.

Q5. Why do we buy a broom?

The broom (jhadu) removes dirt, and cleanliness is said to be what Lakshmi looks for. A new broom on Dhanteras is a symbol of sweeping away misfortune. Some families keep the old broom out of sight on Diwali night.

Q6. Why do we offer dhaniya (coriander seeds)?

Dhaniya sounds like dhan, wealth. Whole coriander seeds mixed with jaggery are offered to Lakshmi and Kuber. Afterwards they are shared as prasad or sown in the garden or a pot, so that "wealth grows."

Q7. Why is the Yama diya lit facing south?

South is the direction associated with Yama in Hindu tradition. The lamp is placed facing south, outside the home, as an offering to him and a prayer for the protection of the family.

Q8. Can women light the Yama diya?

Yes. In many families the head of the household, usually a man, lights it, but anyone in the family may do so. Follow your family's custom.

Q9. What is the difference between Dhanteras, Choti Diwali and Diwali?

• Dhanteras (6 Nov): Buy something auspicious, worship Dhanvantari, Lakshmi and Kuber, and light the Yama Deepam.
• Choti Diwali / Naraka Chaturdashi (7 Nov): Lighting diyas, removing negativity, early morning bath. In many places, Kali and Hanuman are worshipped on the night, also called Kali Chaudas.
• Diwali (8 Nov): The main Lakshmi-Ganesh-Saraswati puja at home and in business, with diyas everywhere.

Q10. Is there a Dhanteras puja at Devpunya?

No, our temple pujas for this festival season start on 7 November. For health and long life, the 11,000 Maha Mrityunjay Mantra Jaap and Panchamrit Rudrabhishek is performed at the MahaMrityunjay Mahadev Temple in Kashi on 7 November. For wealth, the Lakshmi pujas are performed at Shri Gaja Lakshmi Temple, Ujjain on Diwali, 8 November.

Q11. Do I need a pandit for the Dhanteras puja?

No. A family member can do it. The mantras above are easy, and sincere prayer in your own words is accepted.

Q12. Can I do the puja if I have no idol of Dhanvantari or Kuber?

Yes. Place a picture or even a kalash and call them by name. Light the diya, offer flowers and sweets, and chant the mantra. Many families worship only Lakshmi-Ganesh.

Q13. Why do we also pray for health on Dhanteras?

Because Dhanvantari is the god of Ayurveda, and the old saying is "the first wealth is health" (pehla sukh nirogi kaya). A person who has wealth but not health cannot enjoy it, so Dhanteras puts both together.

Q14. What should I do if I am buying a home, land or a vehicle on Dhanteras?

Buy at an auspicious time (see Part 2), do a small puja of the document or the keys with roli and akshat, and say a prayer of thanks. For property and land matters, many devotees also offer prayers at Govardhan. See the Govardhan puja below.

Q15. Can I buy digital gold or gold ETFs on Dhanteras?

Many people do. The tradition is about the act and the intent, and many families treat it as equivalent to buying. If you want a physical item to worship, buy a small coin or a piece of silver as well. Please make your investment decisions carefully and according to your own finances.

Q16. What is a good way to share on Dhanteras?

Give food, clothes or money to someone in need, feed a cow, or give sweets to your helpers and neighbours. In the tradition, wealth that is shared grows.

Q17. Do Jains celebrate Dhanteras?

Jains observe the day as Dhan Teras / Dhyan Teras, with an emphasis on meditation. Practices differ between communities.

Q18. Will the puja definitely bring wealth?

A puja is an act of faith and devotion, and no one can promise a specific result. The tradition teaches that Lakshmi stays where there is cleanliness, honesty, effort, generosity and gratitude. Do the puja with devotion, work with honesty, share with others and trust.

Quick Dhanteras Checklist, 6 November 2026

Timings above are for New Delhi. Please check your city.

Continue Your Diwali With a Temple Puja

If you want to add a puja at a sacred temple, performed by a pandit in your name, you can take part from home. Here are the pujas on the days that follow Dhanteras:

The practices described in this guide are traditional and vary between families and regions. The mantras are widely recited versions, and if your family or pandit follows a different text, follow that. No puja can promise a specific outcome. Timings are approximate for New Delhi and are based on commonly published panchang listings. Please confirm for your city.