Dhanteras 2026 on Friday, 6 November: Puja Muhurat, Pradosh Kaal, What to Buy and What to Avoid

Dhanteras, the festival that opens the five days of Diwali, falls on Friday, 6 November 2026. Also called Dhantrayodashi, it is observed on the 13th lunar day (Trayodashi) of the dark fortnight of the month of Kartik and is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kuber and Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician who, according to legend, emerged with a pot of nectar during the churning of the ocean.

Dhanteras 2026 timings (New Delhi)

• Trayodashi tithi: from 12:21 am to 10:48 pm on 6 November
• Puja muhurat: 5:42 pm to 7:38 pm
• Pradosh Kaal: 5:32 pm to 8:09 pm
• Vrishabha Kaal: 5:42 pm to 7:38 pm

Timings vary by a few minutes from city to city, so it is a good idea to check a local panchang.

How the puja is usually done

1. Clean the house and draw a rangoli at the entrance.
2. In the evening, light the Yama Deep, a four-sided lamp facing south, traditionally lit for the protection of the family.
3. Worship Lakshmi and Kuber with flowers, incense, sweets and any newly bought items.
4. Pray to Lord Dhanvantari for good health; jaggery and coriander seeds are a common offering.
5. Close with the Lakshmi and Kuber aarti.

What people traditionally buy

Dhanteras is considered one of the most auspicious days of the year to buy gold and silver, and jewellers usually see some of their busiest trading of the year. Other popular purchases include brass, copper or silver utensils, a new broom, gomti chakra, whole coriander seeds, and bigger items such as vehicles or electronics.

By tradition, many families avoid buying sharp iron or steel objects, glassware and black items on the day, and do not bring empty vessels home; a new utensil is usually filled with grain or sweets first.

Dhanteras is followed by Choti Diwali and then Lakshmi Puja on the main day of Diwali.

Featured image: Photo: Subharnab Majumdar, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Sources

• SmartPuja – Dhanteras 2026: Date, puja muhurat, vidhi and what to buy