Dhanteras 2026 will be celebrated on Friday, 6 November, marking the beginning of the five-day Diwali festivities. But why is buying gold and silver considered auspicious on this day, and what is the story behind this tradition?
Also known as Dhantrayodashi, the festival is associated with wealth, prosperity and good health. The Dhanteras 2026 puja muhurat in New Delhi will be from 6:02 pm to 7:57 pm.
From the significance of the festival to the gods worshipped and the traditions followed, here's everything to know about Dhanteras 2026.
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When Is Dhanteras In 2026? Date, Tithi And Puja Timing
Dhanteras is observed on the Trayodashi tithi, or the thirteenth lunar day, of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik.
In 2026, Dhanteras will be celebrated on Friday, 6 November. The Trayodashi tithi will begin at 10:30 am on 6 November and end at 10:47 am on 7 November.
The Dhanteras puja muhurat in New Delhi will be from 6:02 pm to 7:57 pm, while Pradosh Kaal will begin at 5:33 pm and end at 8:09 pm.
The auspicious puja timings vary across cities because they depend on local sunset timings. In Gurugram, the puja muhurat will be from 6:03 pm to 7:59 pm, while in Mumbai, it will be from 6:35 pm to 8:35 pm.
Dhanteras marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festivities, with Lakshmi Puja falling on Sunday, 8 November, in 2026.
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Why Is Dhanteras Celebrated?
The word Dhanteras comes from two Sanskrit-derived terms: Dhan, meaning wealth, and Teras, referring to the thirteenth lunar day.
The festival is associated with prosperity, good fortune and health. Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Lord Kubera, who is regarded as the treasurer of the gods.
It is also observed as Dhanvantari Trayodashi or Dhanvantari Jayanti. Lord Dhanvantari is associated with Ayurveda and healing. His connection with the festival gives Dhanteras another meaning: wealth is not limited to money and material possessions but also includes good health.
This is why prayers on the occasion seek both financial stability and well-being for the family.
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The Stories Behind Dhanteras
Dhanteras has several traditional stories associated with its origins. Two popular legends connect the festival with Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari.
The Samudra Manthan Story
According to Hindu mythology, the gods and demons once joined forces to churn the cosmic ocean, an event known as Samudra Manthan.
During the churning, several divine objects and beings emerged from the ocean. Goddess Lakshmi appeared, bringing the symbolism of wealth and prosperity. Lord Dhanvantari also emerged, carrying a pot of Amrit, the nectar associated with immortality.
His appearance is linked to the thirteenth day of Krishna Paksha, which is why the occasion is also called Dhanvantari Trayodashi.
The tradition of worshipping Lakshmi and Dhanvantari, along with purchasing new metal utensils, is associated with this story.
The Story Of Goddess Lakshmi And The Farmer
Another traditional Dhanteras story tells of Goddess Lakshmi accompanying Lord Vishnu on a visit to Earth.
During their journey, Lakshmi became fascinated by the mustard and sugarcane fields and stopped to enjoy the beauty around her. Lord Vishnu asked her to spend the next 12 years on Earth as a consequence of breaking her promise.
She stayed with a poor farmer, whose fortunes changed after her arrival. When the time came for her to return, Lakshmi promised to visit him every year on Krishna Trayodashi before Diwali.
The farmer began cleaning his home and lighting an earthen lamp to welcome her. According to the legend, others adopted the practice, which eventually became associated with Dhanteras celebrations.
How Is Dhanteras Celebrated Across India?
Dhanteras brings together household rituals, prayers and festive shopping. However, the customs can differ across regions and communities.
In North India, families typically clean and decorate their homes, light earthen lamps and buy gold, silver or new utensils. Some households also purchase a new broom as part of the tradition.
In Gujarat and Rajasthan, business owners and trading families may worship their account books, coins and wealth-related items as they seek prosperity for the coming year.
In Maharashtra, the observance is associated with Dhanvantari worship and Yama Deepam, a ritual in which a lamp is lit in honour of Yama, the god of death. Some households also prepare traditional offerings.
In South India, families observe the occasion through prayers, lamps and purchases of new household utensils, although the sequence and importance of particular rituals vary between communities.
What Do People Buy On Dhanteras And Why?
One of the most recognisable Dhanteras traditions is purchasing something new for the home. Gold and silver are among the traditional choices, but the practice is not limited to precious metals.
Here is what people commonly buy and what the purchases represent:
Gold: Gold jewellery and coins are associated with Goddess Lakshmi and symbolise wealth, prosperity and financial security.
Silver: Silver coins, ornaments and utensils are considered auspicious. Coins featuring Lakshmi and Ganesha are also purchased for Diwali worship.
Brass and copper utensils: These purchases are associated with Lord Dhanvantari's appearance carrying the Amrit Kalash during Samudra Manthan.
Steel utensils: New kitchenware is a practical alternative for households that do not wish to purchase expensive precious metals.
Brooms: In some household traditions, a new broom symbolises cleaning away poverty and making the home welcoming for Goddess Lakshmi.
Vehicles and appliances: These are more recent festive purchases associated with new beginnings and prosperity.
What Is The Significance Of Dhanteras?
Dhanteras highlights the connection between wealth and well-being.
While the festival is associated with purchasing precious metals and welcoming prosperity, its association with Lord Dhanvantari also places emphasis on health.
The occasion encourages devotees to pray for financial stability, good health and a prosperous future. Cleaning and decorating homes, lighting lamps and performing puja are ways of marking this new beginning.
The festival also sets the tone for the days that follow, leading up to Diwali and the worship of Goddess Lakshmi.
Which Gods Are Worshipped On Dhanteras?
Three principal deities are associated with Dhanteras:
Goddess Lakshmi: Worshipped as the goddess of wealth, abundance and prosperity.
Lord Kubera: Regarded as the treasurer of the gods, he is worshipped for wealth and financial stability.
Lord Dhanvantari: Associated with Ayurveda, healing and good health.
Some households also worship Lord Ganesha alongside Goddess Lakshmi and Kubera.
Another tradition that follows is Yama Deepam, in which devotees light a lamp in honour of Yama, the god of death, and pray for protection from untimely death.
Why Is Dhanteras Important Before Diwali?
Dhanteras marks the beginning of the Diwali festivities and sets the theme for the celebrations that follow.
While Dhanteras focuses on wealth, prosperity and health, the main Diwali day is associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and the celebration of light over darkness.
The two occasions are connected through the shared themes of new beginnings, household prosperity and family traditions.
From lighting the first diyas to bringing home a new purchase, Dhanteras is an occasion that brings together faith, family and the excitement of the festive season.
TL;DR | News At A Glance
When is Dhanteras in 2026?
Dhanteras will be celebrated on Friday, 6 November 2026.
What is the Dhanteras puja muhurat in 2026?
In New Delhi, the puja muhurat is from 6:02 pm to 7:57 pm.
Why is Dhanteras celebrated?
The festival celebrates wealth, prosperity and good health. It is associated with Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera and Lord Dhanvantari.
What is the story behind Dhanteras?
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the cosmic ocean carrying a pot of Amrit during Samudra Manthan. Goddess Lakshmi is also associated with the same event.
Why do people buy gold on Dhanteras?
Gold is considered a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Buying it is traditionally believed to welcome Goddess Lakshmi's blessings.
Which gods are worshipped on Dhanteras?
Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera and Lord Dhanvantari are the principal deities associated with the festival.
What is Yama Deepam?
Yama Deepam is a ritual in which devotees light a lamp in honour of Yama, the god of death, and pray for protection from untimely death.
Is buying gold compulsory on Dhanteras?
No. Buying gold is a tradition, not a religious requirement. Families can also buy silver, utensils or other household items.
