Dhanteras

Dhanteras is the festival that opens on Diwali. Every year it falls on Trayodashi, the 13th day of the waning moon, two days before Lakshmi Puja. That's usually in late October or early November.

If you're planning your Diwali week, this is where it all begins. Dhanteras is the first of the five festival days. It's the evening when families light the first diyas, bring home something new and pray for wealth and good health.

Dhanteras 2026:

• Date: Friday, November 6, 2026

• Trayodashi tithi begins: November 6 at 10:30 AM

• Trayodashi tithi ends: November 7 at 10:47 AM

• Puja muhurat (Delhi): 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM

• Deities worshipped: Lakshmi, Kuber, Dhanvantari and Yama

Since the tithi runs into the next morning, some people get confused about the date. Don't worry. The evening puja happens on November 6, because that's when Trayodashi is present during Pradosh Kaal.

Dhanteras 2026 Puja Time in Different Cities

Dhanteras puja is performed in evening after sunset during auspicious Pradosh Kaal. The most auspicious part is when Vrishabha Lagna is rising. It's a fixed (sthir) lagna, and the belief is that Lakshmi stays in a home where puja is done at this time.

In Delhi, Pradosh Kaal runs from 5:33 PM to 8:09 PM. The Vrishabha window inside it gives you just under two hours (1 hour 56 minutes) for the puja.

Timings can shift by a few minutes depending on where you live. If you want to be exact, check your local panchang or ask your family priest.

Note: Skip the Choghadiya muhurat for this puja. It's meant for travel, not Lakshmi puja.

What Is Dhanteras and Why Do We Celebrate It?

Dhanteras is also called Dhantrayodashi. The name says it all. "Dhan" means wealth, and "Teras" is the thirteenth day of the lunar fortnight.

But it isn't only about money. The day honours four deities, each for a different blessing:

• Lord Dhanvantari: The physician of the gods and the lord of Ayurveda. He rose from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) holding a pot of amrit. So Dhanteras is as much about health as wealth.

• Goddess Lakshmi: The goddess of wealth, fortune and prosperity. Families invite her into their homes for the year ahead.

• Lord Kuber: The treasurer of the gods and guardian of riches. He's worshipped alongside Lakshmi for steady income and savings.

• Lord Yama: The god of death. A lamp is lit for him in the evening to protect the family from untimely death.

Dhanvantari is seen as a form of Lord Vishnu, and the day is also called Dhanvantari Jayanti. Since 2016, India has marked it as National Ayurveda Day. Many also believe Goddess Lakshmi herself rose from the ocean on this Trayodashi.

Story Behind Dhanteras

The best-loved legend is about King Hima's 16-year-old son. His horoscope said a snake would bite him on the fourth night after his wedding.

His young bride had other plans. That night, she piled her gold, silver and jewellery at the bedroom door and lit lamps everywhere. Then she kept him awake with stories and songs.

When Yama arrived as a serpent, the glitter of the lamps and gold dazzled him. He couldn't get in. So he sat on the heap of coins all night, listening, and quietly left at dawn. The prince lived.

That's why people buy gold and light a lamp for Yama on this day. The ritual is known as Yamadeepdaan.

Celebrations in Different States

• Maharashtra: Dried coriander seeds are lightly pounded with jaggery and offered as naivedya.

• Tamil Nadu: Women prepare marundu, a herbal medicine, offered in prayer and eaten before sunrise on Naraka Chaturdashi.

• Villages: Farmers decorate and worship their cattle, their main source of income.

• Jain community: The day is observed as Dhanyateras, the "blessed thirteenth", linked to Lord Mahavira's meditation before moksha.

How to Do Dhanteras Puja at Home

You don't need an elaborate setup. Here's a simple way to do it:

1. Clean your home in the morning. Many families also whitewash walls, hang lanterns and draw a rangoli at the entrance. Some draw small footprints with rice flour and vermilion to welcome Lakshmi inside.

2. Set up a small altar in the north or north-east corner. Place pictures or idols of Lakshmi, Kuber, Ganesha and Dhanvantari.

3. Light a ghee diya and offer flowers, roli, rice and sweets.

4. Pray to Lord Dhanvantari for good health. Offer jaggery mixed with coriander seeds as prasad.

5. Do the Lakshmi–Kuber puja during the muhurat. Keep whatever you bought that day, like coins or a new utensil, in front of the deity. If you wish you can also join online puja through temple.

6. Do Yamadeepdaan after sunset. Light an oil lamp facing south at the main door or near the tulsi plant. Some families light 13 diyas made of wheat flour.

7. Finish with aarti, then share the prasad with everyone at home.

In many homes, the diyas are kept burning through the night. It's a warm, quiet start to the festival week.

What to Buy on Dhanteras 

Bringing something new home on Dhanteras is believed to invite good luck. It doesn't have to be expensive. Here's what most people pick:

• Gold and silver: Coins, jewellery or small Lakshmi–Ganesha idols.

• Brass, copper or steel utensils: A classic choice, and easy on the budget.

• A new broom: It stands for Lakshmi and sweeping away negativity.

• Jaggery and coriander seeds: Especially popular in Maharashtra. They're offered in puja and kept for prosperity.

• Diyas and small tokens of wealth: Like a Gomti Chakra or a silver coin.

• Big-ticket items: Lots of people plan car, bike or gadget purchases for this day.

What not to buy on Dhanteras

Old beliefs suggest skipping these on Dhanteras:

• Iron items: Iron is linked to Shani, so it's kept off the shopping list.

• Sharp objects: Knives, scissors and other blades are thought to "cut" good fortune.

• Black-coloured things: Black is seen as inauspicious on a day meant for light.

• Glassware: Glass is associated with Rahu.

• Aluminium and plastic: Many families avoid these for puja and as new purchases.

• Empty containers: If you buy a new vessel, fill it with water, rice or sweets before bringing it home.

People Also Asked 

Is Dhanteras 2026 on November 6 or November 7?

It's on Friday, November 6. Trayodashi tithi starts at 10:30 AM that day and ends at 10:47 AM on November 7. The evening puja can only happen on the 6th.

What is the best time to buy gold on Dhanteras 2026?

Anytime between 10:30 AM on November 6 and 10:47 AM on November 7 is considered good, since Trayodashi is in effect. If you want the most auspicious slot, buy during the evening muhurat, 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM in Delhi.

Which gods are worshipped on Dhanteras?

Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kuber and Lord Dhanvantari. A lamp is also lit for Lord Yama.

Is buying a broom on Dhanteras lucky?

Yes. A new broom is linked to Goddess Lakshmi and is believed to clear out negativity.

What is Yamadeepdaan?

It's the ritual of lighting an oil lamp for Lord Yama on Dhanteras evening. It's placed outside the main door, facing south, to protect the family.

Is Dhanteras the same as Dhanvantari Jayanti?

Yes. The same day is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Dhanvantari and as National Ayurveda Day.

When is Dhanteras in 2027?

Dhanteras 2027 falls on Wednesday, October 27, 2027. In 2028, it's on Sunday, October 15.