Dhanteras 2026, celebrated on 6 November, marks the start of Diwali festivities. Worshippers honor Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Kubera for health, wealth, and prosperity. Key purchases include gold, silver, and utensils, symbolizing auspicious beginnings. Evening puja timings vary by city, emphasizing the importance of local panchang checks for accurate observance.
The occasion of Dhanteras 2026, happening on Friday, 6 November, is the first day of a five-day Diwali festival. Regarded as an auspicious day when worshippers make requests to the Gods for wealth, health, and prosperity. It is also known as Dhantrayodashi or Dhanvantari Jayanti. It is often observed on the Trayodashi tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. In 2026, the tithi starts at 10:30 am on 6 November and ends at 10:47 am on 7 November. The main observances and evening puja will happen on Friday, 6 November.
The puja muhurat windows (Pradosh Kaal / Vrishabha Kaal) are best for the evening after sunset. According to Drik Panchang, in New Delhi, Pradosh Kaal is from 5:32 pm to 8:09 pm, while the Dhanteras puja muhurat - Vrishabha Kaal - is from 6:02 pm to 7:57 pm. Exact local timings vary by city, so check your city’s panchang before deciding on the puja time.
Lord Dhanvantari: The celebrations are centered on health, healing, and well-being. This marks the day that during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean), Dhanvantari, the divine physician and the Ayurveda representative, displayed a pot (kalash) containing amrit, an immortality nectar.
Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera: Prayers are made to Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and prosperity, and Kubera, god of riches. The belief is that purchases backed with the sincerest intention will receive their blessings.
Protective and auspicious beginnings: One popular legend is about a young wife who used gold, silver, lamps, and vigilance to keep Yama (the god of death) away from her husband on the day he was predicted to meet his end. This led to the practice of Yam Deepdaan, lighting a lamp facing south in the evening twilight to encourage protection and a long life.
A purchase on Dhanteras is considered to build a spiritual connection and invest in hopes for a prosperous year ahead.
Gold is the main purchase as it is associated with Goddess Lakshmi, representing lasting wealth, purity, and stability. Common choices include:
Hallmarked jewellery (22K or 18K).
Gold coins or bars (often engraved with Lakshmi–Ganesha motifs).
Even small digital gold or investment forms for those who prefer non-physical holdings.
Silver is associated with the Moon, mental peace, and also to Goddess Lakshmi. Popular options are:
Silver coins,
Small silver utensils, diyas, or decorative pieces.
Silver jewellery.
Silver allows families to participate with more affordable options.
New metal vessels represent health, nourishment, especially as the kitchen is the place where the home is fed. Preferred materials are:
Brass or bronze (a physical representation of the kalash).
Copper (symbolizing purity and energy).
Stainless steel or other durable kitchenware
A new pressure cooker, set of bowls, or serving vessels are practical choices. Other options are brass diyas or lamps for Diwali and around the year.
For gold jewellery, look for the BIS hallmark. A current hallmarked gold piece should carry three marks: the BIS Standard Mark, purity in carat and fineness—such as 22K916 or 18K750—and a six-digit alphanumeric HUID code.
Verify the HUID through the Verify HUID feature on the BIS Care App before purchase. It should match the jewellery type, weight, purity, jeweller details, and assaying-and-hallmarking-centre details shown in the app.
22K gold: 916 fineness; commonly chosen for traditional Indian jewellery.
18K gold: 750 fineness; has lighter, modern, or stone-set designs.
Making charges: These vary by design, brand, weight, and craftsmanship; ask for the breakdown of metal value, making charges, GST, and any stone or certification charges before billing.
Exchange/buyback: Ask the jeweller to write down the exchange or buyback policy on the invoice, including deductions, if applicable.
Silver: Buy from a trusted seller and ask for purity details and a proper invoice; silver hallmarking practices and availability are likely different from gold.
Utensils: Check thickness, finish, food-safety suitability, and warranty where applicable.
For Dhanteras 2026, choose the best options for your home and family so you can fully enjoy the festival and invite blessings for the new year.