Dhanteras 2026: Date, Puja Muhurat and Key Traditions

Dhanteras 2026: Date, Puja Muhurat and Key Traditions

New Delhi, October 24, 2026: Dhanteras 2026 will be celebrated across India on Friday, November 6, marking the beginning of the five-day Diwali festivities. The occasion holds a special place in Hindu traditions, with families offering prayers to Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera and Lord Dhanvantari.

Also known as Dhantrayodashi, the festival is associated with prosperity, well-being and new beginnings. Buying precious metals, household utensils and other useful items remains a popular tradition.

Dhanteras 2026 Date and Trayodashi Tithi

According to the Hindu calendar, Dhanteras falls on the Krishna Paksha Trayodashi of the Kartik month.

Important dates and timings:

• Festival Date: Friday, November 6, 2026
• Trayodashi Begins: November 6 at 10:30 AM
• Trayodashi Ends: November 7 at 10:47 AM
• Lakshmi-Kubera Puja Muhurat: 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM
• Pradosh Kaal: 5:33 PM to 8:09 PM
• Vrishabha Lagna: 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM

These timings apply to New Delhi. Devotees in other locations should refer to their local Panchang.

Dhanteras 2026 Puja Muhurat: Best Time for Worship

The evening Pradosh period is traditionally preferred for Dhanteras worship.

In New Delhi, the recommended Lakshmi-Kubera Puja window falls between 6:02 PM and 7:57 PM on November 6.

This period coincides with Vrishabha Lagna, regarded as a stable astrological period in traditional Hindu practice.

Devotees associate worship during this period with prayers for lasting prosperity, financial stability and household well-being.

Why Is Dhanteras Celebrated?

Dhanteras has both religious and cultural significance.

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Dhanvantari emerged during the Samudra Manthan, or churning of the cosmic ocean, carrying a pot of Amrit.

Lord Dhanvantari is revered as the divine physician and is closely associated with Ayurveda and health.

The festival therefore represents more than material wealth. It also encourages prayers for good health, longevity and family happiness.

Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera are worshipped as symbols of prosperity and abundance.

Dhanteras 2026 Puja Vidhi: Traditional Worship Procedure

Families follow different regional customs, but a simple Dhanteras worship ceremony generally includes the following steps.

1. Clean the home and prepare the prayer area.
2. Place images or idols of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kubera and Lord Dhanvantari.
3. Light a traditional oil or ghee lamp.
4. Offer flowers, rice, sweets and other customary offerings.
5. Recite prayers dedicated to the deities.
6. Seek blessings for good health, peace and prosperity.
7. Perform the evening Aarti and distribute Prasad.

The precise rituals may vary depending on family customs and local religious practices.

What Should You Buy on Dhanteras 2026?

Dhanteras is widely associated with shopping for items believed to symbolize prosperity.

Gold and Silver

Gold jewellery, silver coins and other precious-metal items are among the traditional purchases made during the festival.

Many households consider these purchases symbols of good fortune and financial security.

Copper and Brass Utensils

Buying new metal utensils is another established Dhanteras custom.

Brass, copper and steel household items are commonly chosen as practical purchases for the occasion.

Household Essentials

Some families purchase cleaning items, including a new broom, as part of regional traditions associated with cleanliness and prosperity.

Modern shoppers also use the occasion to purchase appliances and other household necessities.

However, there is no religious requirement to make expensive purchases. Families can celebrate according to their financial circumstances.

Yama Deepam: An Important Dhanteras Tradition

One of the distinctive rituals associated with Dhanteras is Yama Deepam, also known as Yam Deep Daan.

Traditionally, a lamp is placed outside the home after sunset, often facing south.

The practice is connected with prayers for protection, longevity and the well-being of family members.

It remains a symbolic religious custom rather than a scientifically established form of protection.

How Dhanteras Marks the Beginning of Diwali

Dhanteras opens the traditional five-day Diwali celebration.

The following festivities include Naraka Chaturdashi, the main Diwali celebration, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj.

While Dhanteras places special emphasis on prosperity and health, Diwali is widely associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the lighting of lamps and family celebrations.

Together, these festivals reflect themes of renewal, gratitude and togetherness.

Dhanteras 2026: Why the Festival Still Matters

Dhanteras continues to bring together religious traditions and everyday family practices.

For some households, the day begins with cleaning and decorating the home. Others focus on prayers, purchasing useful items or preparing for Diwali.

The festival also highlights an important cultural idea: prosperity includes physical well-being, peace of mind and the happiness of loved ones.

Conclusion

Dhanteras 2026 will be observed on Friday, November 6, with the Lakshmi-Kubera Puja Muhurat in New Delhi scheduled from 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM.

As the opening celebration of Diwali, the festival provides an opportunity for families to honour traditional beliefs, pray for health and prosperity, and welcome the festive season with hope and gratitude.