When is Dhanteras 2026?
Dhanteras 2026 falls on Friday, 6 November 2026, on Kartik Krishna Trayodashi — the first of the five days of Diwali. The evening puja is performed during the Pradosh Kaal; the exact buying and puja muhurat varies by city, so check your local Panchang.
Significance — the day of wealth & healing
Dhanteras (Dhanatrayodashi) marks the day Dhanvantari, the divine physician and god of Ayurveda, emerged from the churning of the cosmic ocean carrying the pot of amrita — which is why it is also observed as Dhanvantari Jayantiand National Ayurveda Day. "Dhan" means wealth, and the day is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera, the treasurer of the gods.
Rituals & what to buy
- Buying gold & silver — coins, jewellery and utensils are bought to symbolise incoming prosperity.
- Lakshmi-Kubera Puja — the evening worship of wealth deities with diyas and kheel-batasha.
- New brooms & utensils — considered auspicious; the broom is linked to Lakshmi.
- Yama Deepam — a south-facing diya lit for Yama to protect the household.
- Dhania (coriander) seeds — offered to Lakshmi and sown for good fortune.
Dhanteras in the Diwali festival
Dhanteras opens the five days of Diwali 2026, leading to Choti Diwali, Lakshmi Puja (8 Nov), Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj. See the full five-day schedule and all celebrations on the 2026 Festivals hub.
Frequently asked questions
When is Dhanteras 2026?
Dhanteras 2026 falls on Friday, 6 November 2026, the first day of the Diwali festival, on Kartik Krishna Trayodashi.
Why is gold bought on Dhanteras?
It is the most auspicious day of the year to buy gold, silver and utensils — believed to multiply wealth and invite Lakshmi's blessings.
What is Yama Deepam?
Lighting a south-facing diya outside the home on Dhanteras evening, offered to Yama to protect the family from untimely death.