Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, marks the auspicious beginning of the five-day festival of lights, Diwali. Celebrated on the Trayodashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik, the festival falls on Friday, November 6, 2026.
On this day, devotees perform evening prayers dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi (the deity of wealth), Lord Kubera (the divine treasurer), and Lord Dhanvantari (the god of health and Ayurveda). Purchasing precious metals, jewellery, utensils, and new household items on Dhanteras is traditionally believed to invite prosperity, good health, and financial well-being into the home.
Dhanteras 2026: Shubh Puja Muhurat & City Timings
Devotees perform the primary Lakshmi-Kubera Puja during Pradosh Kaal after sunset:
- Trayodashi Tithi Starts: 10:30 AM on Friday, November 6, 2026
- Trayodashi Tithi Ends: 10:47 AM on Saturday, November 7, 2026
- Pradosh Kaal Window: Approximately 5:59 PM to 8:33 PM
City-Wise Evening Puja Timings:
- Delhi / NCR: 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM
- Mumbai: 6:35 PM to 8:35 PM
- Ahmedabad: 6:30 PM to 8:28 PM
Essential Rituals and Auspicious Purchases
The day of Dhanteras is marked by several traditional customs observed across Indian households:
- Lakshmi-Kubera & Dhanvantari Puja: In the evening, families clean and light their puja altars, chanting mantras and offering flowers, sweets, and diyas to Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera, and Lord Dhanvantari for peace, health, and financial stability.
- Yama Deepam: To seek protection against untimely illness or death, families light an oil lamp (Yama Diya) outside the main entrance of their home facing south in honour of Lord Yama.
- Auspicious Purchases: Buying gold, silver, brass or copper utensils, silver coins depicting Lakshmi-Ganesha, brooms (symbolising the removal of poverty), and new electronic appliances is considered highly auspicious on this day.
