Dhanteras marks the joyful beginning of the five-day Diwali festival. It is a day when families across India welcome prosperity, good health and positive energy into their homes. If you are planning your celebrations, this guide covers the Dhanteras 2026 date, shubh muhurat, a simple puja vidhi and the most auspicious things to buy, so you can celebrate with confidence and peace of mind.
Dhanteras 2026 Date
Dhanteras 2026 will be celebrated on Friday, 6 November 2026. It is also known as Dhantrayodashi because it falls on the Trayodashi tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. A Friday Dhanteras is a lovely coincidence, as Friday is traditionally associated with Goddess Lakshmi.
Diwali 2026 Festival Calendar
- Dhanteras: Friday, 6 November 2026
- Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali): Saturday, 7 November 2026
- Diwali and Lakshmi Puja: Sunday, 8 November 2026
- Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj: Follow in the days after Diwali
Dhanteras 2026 Shubh Muhurat
The best time to perform Dhanteras puja is during Pradosh Kaal, the auspicious evening period after sunset. As per commonly published panchang details, the evening puja window on 6 November falls roughly between 5:42 PM and 7:38 PM.
Please note that muhurat timings vary slightly from city to city because sunset times differ across India. We recommend checking your local panchang or consulting a trusted Vedic astrologer for the exact time in your city.
Why Is Dhanteras Celebrated?
The word Dhanteras comes from two words: “Dhan” meaning wealth and “Teras” meaning the thirteenth day. According to tradition, this is the day Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda and good health, appeared during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). That is why Dhanteras is a celebration of both wealth and health.
People also worship Goddess Lakshmi for abundance and Lord Kuber for financial stability. The festival reminds us that true prosperity means a healthy body, a peaceful mind and a happy family.
Dhanteras Puja Vidhi: Simple Steps at Home
You do not need a complicated ritual to perform Dhanteras puja. Sincere devotion matters most. Here is an easy step-by-step method:
- Clean the home: Clean your house and puja space well before the evening. A bright, tidy home is believed to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.
- Decorate the entrance: Make a rangoli at the main door and hang a fresh toran of marigold or mango leaves.
- Set up the puja altar: Place idols or pictures of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kuber and Lord Dhanvantari on a clean cloth.
- Light a diya: Light a ghee or sesame oil lamp and keep it burning during the puja.
- Make offerings: Offer fresh flowers, roli, akshat (rice), sweets, fruits and a few coins.
- Chant mantras and do aarti: Chant the Lakshmi mantra with devotion and complete the puja with Lakshmi-Ganesh aarti.
- Light the Yama Deepam: In the evening, light a diya outside the main door facing south. Tradition holds that this brings protection and well-being to the family.
What to Buy on Dhanteras 2026
Buying something new on Dhanteras is considered a symbol of good fortune. You do not have to spend a lot. Even a small, meaningful purchase carries a positive spirit.
Auspicious Items to Buy
- Gold and silver coins or jewellery: The most popular choice, symbolising lasting prosperity.
- Brass, copper or steel utensils: Traditionally linked to Lord Dhanvantari and good health.
- A new broom (jhadu): Believed to represent Goddess Lakshmi and the removal of negativity from the home.
- Coriander (dhaniya) seeds: A traditional offering that symbolises growth and abundance.
- Lakshmi-Ganesh idols or silver coins with their image: Perfect for your Diwali puja.
- Kuber Yantra or Shri Yantra: Placed in the puja room for a positive and focused atmosphere.
- New appliances, vehicles or business equipment: Many families begin new ventures on this day.
Things Many Families Avoid on Dhanteras
- Iron or steel items with sharp edges such as knives (steel utensils are generally fine)
- Black-coloured items
- Borrowing or lending money on this day
Vastu Tips for Dhanteras
A few simple Vastu ideas can make your home feel brighter and more welcoming this festive season:
- Keep the northeast corner of the house clean and clutter-free.
- Place your puja altar in the northeast direction.
- Keep the main entrance well lit during the evening.
- Place a small Kuber idol or Shri Yantra in the north direction.
- Fix any leaking taps and remove broken or unused items before Dhanteras.
Make This Dhanteras Special with Astro OCCULT
Every family has its own planetary position and its own needs. If you would like personalised guidance, Astro OCCULT is here to help. Our experienced Vedic astrologers offer Kundli analysis, Vastu consultation, numerology guidance and puja advice, so you can choose the right muhurat, remedies and purchases for your birth chart.
Book a consultation today and step into Diwali 2026 with clarity, confidence and positivity.
