Dhanteras 2026 is on Friday, 6 November 2026. The Trayodashi tithi runs from about 10:30 AM on 6 November to 10:47 AM on 7 November, and the evening Lakshmi-Kuber puja in New Delhi is at about 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM. Families buy something new for the home, such as gold, silver, a coin or a steel utensil, and light a lamp for Yama at the doorway. Dhanteras opens the five days of Diwali, with Lakshmi Puja on Sunday 8 November.
Dhanteras 2026 at a glance
| New Delhi | |
|---|---|
| Date | Friday, 6 November 2026 |
| Trayodashi tithi | about 10:30 AM, 6 Nov to 10:47 AM, 7 Nov |
| Puja muhurat | about 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM |
| Yama Deepam (evening) | about 5:33 PM to 6:51 PM, 6 November |
Some panchangs give a slightly later puja window (about 6:17 PM to 8:15 PM, the Vrishabha kaal), and a few place the Yama Deepam on 7 November. Timings shift by city; check your local panchang or follow your family's priest.
What is Dhanteras?
Dhanteras (Dhanatrayodashi) is Kartik Krishna Trayodashi, two days before Diwali. Dhan means wealth and teras the thirteenth day. It honours two blessings: wealth, through the worship of Lakshmi and Kuber, and health, as the appearance day of Dhanvantari, the divine physician who rose from the churning of the ocean holding the pot of amrit. It is also observed in India as National Ayurveda Day.
What to buy on Dhanteras
Bringing something new into the home is believed to invite Lakshmi's blessing for the year. Traditional choices:
- Gold or silver: jewellery, a coin or a small Lakshmi-Ganesh coin for the puja
- Utensils: steel, brass or copper, often filled with something before bringing home
- A new broom: a symbol of sweeping away poverty
- Whole coriander seeds, diyas, and puja items for Diwali
A small purchase made with the right intention is enough. Many families avoid buying sharp or black items on this day; follow your own family's customs. If you buy gold, check for the BIS hallmark and HUID.
Dhanteras puja at home: simple steps
- Clean the home, especially the entrance, and make a small rangoli.
- In the evening muhurat, set up Lakshmi, Ganesha and Kuber (or a coin or image) on a chowki with a red cloth.
- Light a ghee lamp and take the sankalp.
- Worship Ganesha first, then Lakshmi and Kuber, with roli, rice, flowers, sweets and the new item you bought.
- Remember Dhanvantari with a prayer for the family's health.
- Light the Yama Deepam (below) and close with aarti.
The Yama Deepam
On Dhanteras evening a single lamp is lit outside the main door, facing south, the direction of Yama. It is a prayer that the family is protected from untimely death. Many families use a four-wick clay lamp with mustard or sesame oil. It is the one lamp of Diwali offered for protection rather than for celebration.
The five days of Diwali 2026
- 6 November: Dhanteras
- 7 November: Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali)
- 8 November: Lakshmi Puja (Diwali)
- 9 November: Govardhan Puja
- 11 November: Bhai Dooj (some panchangs 10 November). See our Bhai Dooj 2026 guide.
For the Lakshmi Puja itself, see our Diwali 2026 puja guide.
The complete Diwali puja book
The Complete Diwali Puja Vidhi 2026 covers all five days, from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj: the 2026 dates and muhurats, the full Lakshmi-Ganesh puja step by step with a 15-minute version, the Shri Suktam and Ganapati Atharvashirsha with meaning, the 108 names of Ganesha and Lakshmi, and both aartis. Every mantra in Sanskrit, transliteration and English. Instant PDF, ₹199.
See every date this season in our Hindu Festival Calendar 2026–27.
Frequently asked questions
When is Dhanteras in 2026?
Dhanteras is on Friday, 6 November 2026, two days before Diwali.
What is the Dhanteras puja muhurat in 2026?
In New Delhi, about 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM on 6 November. Some panchangs give about 6:17 PM to 8:15 PM. Check your city.
What should I buy on Dhanteras?
Traditionally gold or silver, a coin, a new utensil or a new broom. A small purchase made with the right intention is enough.
Which direction should the Yama Deepam face?
South, the direction of Yama. It is lit outside the main door on Dhanteras evening.
Why is Dhanvantari worshipped on Dhanteras?
Dhanteras is Dhanvantari's appearance day. He rose from the churning of the ocean holding the pot of amrit and is the deity of Ayurveda and health.
Customs vary between families and regions; where yours differ, follow your family's tradition.