The five-day festival of Diwali begins with Dhanteras. Bringing something new into the home on this day is considered auspicious, which is why markets are at their busiest on Dhanteras. In this article, we have put together the Dhanteras 2026 date, the right time for puja, the beliefs associated with the day, and answers to the most common shopping questions, all in one place.
When is Dhanteras 2026?
Dhanteras 2026 falls on Friday, 6 November 2026. It is celebrated on the Trayodashi (13th day) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. The remaining days of Diwali follow like this:
| Festival | Date (2026) |
|---|---|
| Dhanteras | Friday, 6 November |
| Naraka Chaturdashi / Chhoti Diwali | Saturday, 7 November |
| Diwali / Lakshmi Puja | Sunday, 8 November |
| Govardhan Puja | Monday, 9 November |
| Bhai Dooj | Tuesday, 10 November |
Auspicious Time for Dhanteras Puja
Dhanteras puja is traditionally performed in the evening during Pradosh Kaal, the period just after sunset. Since sunset time differs from city to city, please confirm the exact muhurat from your local panchang or pandit ji. You can also check the timing for your city by selecting it on Drik Panchang. The entire Trayodashi tithi is considered auspicious for shopping, so you don't have to buy everything during the puja time itself.
Why is Dhanteras Celebrated?
Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, is the first day of Diwali (read more: Wikipedia). Three deities are worshipped on this day:
- Lord Dhanvantari: It is believed that he emerged on this tithi with the pot of amrit (nectar) during the Samudra Manthan. He is the god of Ayurveda, so this day is also associated with wishes for good health. From 2016 to 2024, Dhanteras was observed as National Ayurveda Day, but from 2025 the Ministry of AYUSH has fixed 23 September as the date.
- Goddess Lakshmi: The goddess of wealth and prosperity, whose welcome preparations begin on this day.
- Lord Kuber: The treasurer of the gods, worshipped with the wish to keep wealth stable and grow savings.
There is also a tradition of lighting a lamp outside the main door of the house in the evening, facing south. This is called Yama Deepdaan.
What to Buy on Dhanteras?
Traditionally, buying gold, silver, brass or copper utensils, a new broom and whole coriander seeds is considered auspicious. If you buy gold jewellery, always check for the BIS hallmark and the 6-digit HUID code (full details: BIS Hallmarking FAQ). Apart from these, many families also bring home a yantra for the puja space or a rudraksha to wear on this day. For a picture-by-picture look at these items, see our visual guide Dhanteras 2026: What to Bring Home Beyond Gold and Silver. Here are some options based on your needs:
1. For the Home and Puja Space: Lakshmi-Kuber Yantra
Lakshmi, Ganesh and Kuber all have a place in the Diwali puja. That is why the Kuber Laxmi Ganesh Yantra brings all three together in a single yantra. For the worship of Goddess Lakshmi alone, the Mahalakshmi Maha Yantra is chosen, and for keeping savings and wealth stable, the Kuber Yantra is preferred. The Shri Yantra is called the king of yantras and is also very popular during Diwali.
2. For Lakshmi Puja: Dhan Potli and Kamal Gatta Mala
The red cloth Dhan Potli is placed in the Lakshmi puja, and the tradition is to keep it in your locker or cupboard after the puja. The lotus is Goddess Lakshmi's seat, which is why the Kamal Gatta Mala is considered special for chanting Lakshmi mantras.
3. To Wear: 7 Mukhi and Ganesh Rudraksha
The scriptures associate the 7 Mukhi Rudraksha with Goddess Mahalakshmi, so Dhanteras is considered a good occasion to start wearing it. The Ganesh Rudraksha is worn for new beginnings and removing obstacles. Both are also available together in the Dhan Lakshmi Ganesh Kavach. Before wearing one, read our guide 7 Mukhi Rudraksha: Meaning, Benefits & How to Wear It.
4. For Business Owners: Vyapar Vridhi Yantra
On Diwali, many traders perform puja of their new account books. The Vyapar Vridhi Yantra for installing in a shop or office, and the Vyapar Kavach Locket to wear around the neck, are popular choices.
5. For Gifting: Bracelets
If you want to give family or friends something meaningful this Diwali, the Dhan Yog Bracelet, Citrine Bracelet or Pyrite Bracelet are good options that can be worn every day.
How to Install a Yantra on Dhanteras
- Clean the puja space. Placing the yantra in the north-east corner (Ishaan kon) of the house or in the puja room is considered auspicious.
- Sprinkle the yantra with Gangajal or clean water and place it on a red or yellow cloth.
- Offer kumkum, akshat (rice) and flowers, and light a ghee lamp and incense.
- Chant "Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah" 108 times for the Lakshmi Yantra, and "Om Kuberaya Namah" 108 times for the Kuber Yantra.
- After that, show the lamp to the yantra every morning and evening, and keep it clean.
What Not to Do on Dhanteras
According to popular belief, these things are avoided on this day:
- Avoid lending money to anyone on this day.
- Don't keep dirt or broken items in the house, as cleanliness is linked to welcoming Goddess Lakshmi.
- Don't bring empty utensils home. If you buy a new utensil, fill it with a little grain, sweets or water before bringing it in.
- Don't leave the house dark in the evening; always light a lamp at the main door.
Start Your Diwali Preparations Here
To see yantras, rudraksha, kavach and puja items in one place, browse our Diwali & Dhanteras Collection. Every yantra and rudraksha is energized by pandit ji from Mathura-Vrindavan before it is shipped. Order in good time so your items arrive before the puja.
Not sure which yantra or rudraksha is right for you? Message us on WhatsApp and our team will help you.
Note: The information in this article is based on traditional beliefs. Please confirm the exact puja muhurat and method with your local panchang or pandit ji.