Dhanteras 2026: Date, Shopping & Significance
The first day of Diwali
Dhanteras marks the first day of the five-day Diwali festival. It falls on the Trayodashi of the dark fortnight of Kartik, two days before Diwali.
The day is dedicated to wealth, health and prosperity. It is considered highly auspicious for buying gold, silver and new utensils, and for worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari.
Dhanteras 2026 Date
Dhanteras 2026 is on Friday, 6 November 2026. It is observed on Kartik Krishna Trayodashi — the Trayodashi tithi of the Krishna paksha in the lunar month of Kartik.
Hindu festival dates follow the lunar calendar and can vary by a day between regions and traditions. Always confirm the date and timings with your local panchang.
The Significance of Dhanteras
The name comes from dhan, meaning wealth, and trayodashi, the thirteenth day. The festival also honours Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods and the deity of Ayurveda, who is believed to have emerged from the churning of the cosmic ocean on this day carrying the pot of amrita, the nectar of immortality.
Because Dhanvantari appeared bearing a vessel, buying metal vessels and ornaments on Dhanteras is considered auspicious — it invites health and prosperity into the home. The day is one of the busiest of the year for gold and utensil markets across India.
Dhanteras also sets the stage for Diwali. Homes are cleaned and decorated, lamps are lit at the doorstep, and the worship of Lakshmi begins — preparing the household to welcome the goddess of wealth on the main night.
Dhanteras Puja Vidhi
- Clean and decorate the home and the entrance, and draw rangoli and small footprints symbolising Lakshmi’s arrival.
- Buy gold, silver, new utensils or other metal items as a symbol of incoming prosperity.
- In the evening, worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera and Lord Dhanvantari with flowers, sweets and a lamp.
- Light a special lamp — the Yama Deepam — at the doorstep, facing south, for protection and well-being.
- Keep lamps burning at the entrance through the evening to welcome wealth and good fortune.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Dhanteras in 2026?
Dhanteras in 2026 falls on Friday, 6 November 2026, on Kartik Trayodashi.
Why is Dhanteras celebrated?
Dhanteras opens the five-day Diwali festival and is dedicated to wealth, health and prosperity. It honours Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari, the deity of Ayurveda.
Why is gold bought on Dhanteras?
Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the cosmic ocean carrying a vessel of nectar on this day, so buying gold, silver and metal utensils on Dhanteras is believed to invite health and prosperity into the home.
What is Yama Deepam on Dhanteras?
Yama Deepam is a lamp lit at the doorstep on Dhanteras evening, facing south, as a prayer to Yama for the protection and long life of the family.