Dhanteras 2026: Shubh Muhurat, Puja Time and What to Buy

Dhanteras 2026 is on Friday, 6 November. The festival is considered to be the first day of the celebration of Diwali and is related to Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera and Lord Dhanvantari. Although families tend to purchase gold or silver, it is also a time to bring in prosperity, health and good fortune to the house.

Before you plan your puja or shopping, one important note – the muhurat timings are dependent on your city. The timings mentioned below are according to Drik Panchang, Ambala, Haryana. If you're going to publish for a broader audience in India, be sure to include a note telling readers to look up the local city's hours.

Dhanteras 2026 Date and Shubh Muhurat

Dhanteras falls on the 13th day (Trayodashi) of Krishna Paksha in Hindu month of Kartik. It's the first day of the Diwali festival.

The Trayodashi tithi for 2026 commences at 10:30AM on 6 November, and concludes at 10:47AM on 7 November, according to Drik Panchang. During the auspicious fixed Vrishabha Lagna being merged with the tithi, the evening puja of Lakshmi-Kubera is performed during Pradosh Kaal.

Dhanteras timings for Ambala, Haryana

These timings are for Ambala. The puja muhurat can be different in different cities so please make sure to check the timings in your city before performing the rituals.

Dhanteras 2026 Gold and Shopping Muhurat

One of the popular Dhanteras traditions is to purchase gold, silver or new utensils. According to Drik Panchang, the buying period of gold in New Delhi is between 10:30 AM on 6 November and 06:37 AM on 7 November.

It also mentions these auspicious windows which fall on Trayodashi Choghadiya are:

• Morning: 10:30 AM – 10:43 AM

• Afternoon (Shubha): 12:05 PM – 1:27 PM

• Afternoon (Chara): 4:11 PM – 5:33 PM

• Night (Labha): 8:49 PM – 10:27 PM

These purchase timings are calculated from Drik Panchang in New Delhi and not a universal timetable. Look at the appropriate city location for where you are.

Dhanteras and Pushya Nakshatra days are very special days in a person's life.

Shopping doesn't have to be about the purchase of pricey jewelry. A small but useful gift, within your budget, can also serve as a good reminder of the occasion.

What is the Significance of “Dhanteras”?

The term Dhanteras comes from the words Dhan which means wealth and Teras, which means the thirteenth lunar day. Popularly, it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi appeared during Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean). She is worshipped together with Lord Kubera who is associated with wealth and prosperity.

Dhanteras is also known as Dhanvantari Jayanti or Dhanwantari Trayodashi. Lord Dhanvantari is seen as the god of medicine in Hinduism, and is known as the “Father of Ayurveda.” This makes the festival more of than just an economic matter, it is about prosperity in all areas of life; money being just one of them.

Which Items to Purchase on the Occasion of Dhanteras 2026?

While gold or silver is a popular purchase, there are a number of traditional purchases that are far more affordable and sensible. They are recommendations and not required purchases as customs differ regionally and from family to family.

1. Gold or silver

Gold coins, silver coins, small jewellery pieces and silver puja items are popular items to buy. When purchasing precious metals, review the purity, hallmarking, weight, making charges and final bill. Purchase only as much as you can afford.

2. New utensils

Brass, copper, silver and stainless-steel utensils are traditional Dhanteras purchases. You could go with a small bowl, plate, glass, spoon or cooking vessel that your family will be using.

3. A new broom

It's said that when a new broom is purchased in many homes, it brings good fortune. This symbolically relates to cleaning the house and washing off dirt before prosperity can enter.

4. Gomti chakra and cowries

Some families have the Gomti chakras or cowrie shells in their puja place, locker or a place where they save money. In some areas they have been adopted as traditional symbols of good luck.

5. Whole coriander seeds

Coriander is also called sabut dhaniya that is used in some Dhanteras and Diwali traditions. It can be given during puja or as part of the daily ritual in the household.

6. Clay diyas and puja items

It is useful to buy earthen diyas, cotton wicks, ghee or oil, incense, flowers etc for puja during the festival. There are also items available for purchase that will be required for the upcoming Lakshmi-Ganesha puja.

What is Not to be Purchased on Dhanteras?

Some traditional pieces of advice you may hear on Dhanteras are not to purchase items such as iron objects, glassware, sharp objects or items connected to negativity. These beliefs are not practiced by everyone, and may vary from family to family or from region to region.

It's not a rule to take seriously all such beliefs. There's a traditional practice in your family that you can honor. Above all, steer clear of unnecessary spending, borrowing money just to make an extravagant purchase, or purchasing expensive metals without verifying their quality and price.

Since Dhanteras is a festival of prosperity, it should be a purchase that will not cause any hardship.

Yam Deepdaan: What is the Time and Reason Behind Lighting the Diya?

Dhanteras is significant ritualistic celebration and one of such is Yam Deepdaan or Yama Deepam. In the evening, the families illuminate an oil diya, usually outside the main entrance of the house towards the south. The ritual is linked to prayers for the welfare and longevity of family members to the god of death, Yama.

According to Drik Panchang, Ambala will see the ambala pradosh kaal from 5:32 PM until 8:10 PM on 6 November 2026. This is the evening time when the Dhanteras observance is held. Light and place the diya as per the tradition of your family.

How to Celebrate Dhanteras at Home

You do not need an elaborate arrangement to observe the festival. Clean the home, prepare the puja space and keep the required items ready. In the evening, light diyas, offer flowers and sweets, and worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera according to your family's tradition.

If you have purchased a new utensil, coin or another item, you may include it in the puja. Families observing Dhanvantari Jayanti may also offer prayers for good health.

The day is also a good reminder to organise household finances, maintain savings and take care of your family's well-being.

Final Thoughts

Dhanteras 2026 will be celebrated on Friday, 6 November. From the evening Lakshmi-Kubera puja to Yam Deepdaan, the festival brings together traditions associated with wealth, health and new beginnings.

Whether you buy a gold coin, a steel utensil, a broom or a few clay diyas, the value of the occasion is not measured by how much you spend. Choose thoughtfully, follow your family's customs and celebrate within your means.