Dhanteras 2026: Dhanteras is being celebrated across India on Friday, November 6, marking the beginning of the five-day Diwali festivities. Also known as Dhantrayodashi, the festival is associated with wealth, prosperity, good health and new beginnings.
On this auspicious occasion, families traditionally purchase gold, silver, jewellery, coins, utensils and other valuables, believing that bringing precious items home symbolises prosperity and good fortune.
Devotees also worship Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera, seeking blessings for good health, financial stability and happiness.
This year, the festival’s date has caused some confusion because the Trayodashi Tithi continues until the morning of November 7. However, since the auspicious Pradosh Kaal for Dhanteras Puja falls on November 6, the festival is being observed today.
Dhanteras 2026: Date and Trayodashi Tithi
According to the Hindu Panchang, the Trayodashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik begins on November 6 and continues until November 7.
- Dhanteras Date: Friday, November 6, 2026
- Trayodashi Tithi Begins: 10:30 AM, November 6
- Trayodashi Tithi Ends: 10:47 AM, November 7
Dhanteras 2026 Puja Muhurat in Nagpur
For devotees in Nagpur, the evening Pradosh Kaal is considered the most significant period for performing Dhanteras Puja.
According to city-specific Panchang calculations, the auspicious Lakshmi-Kuber Puja window in Nagpur is approximately 6:07 PM to 8:06 PM.
- Dhanteras Puja Muhurat: 6:07 PM – 8:06 PM
- Pradosh Kaal: 5:35 PM – 8:08 PM
- Trayodashi Tithi: 10:30 AM, November 6 – 10:47 AM, November 7
The exact muhurat may differ slightly between Panchang calculations and local traditions.
Dhanteras 2026: Auspicious Time to Buy Gold and Silver
Buying gold and silver is among the most popular Dhanteras traditions. Many families purchase gold coins, silver jewellery, precious metal utensils and Lakshmi-Ganesh idols on this day.
According to the auspicious shopping timings calculated for Nagpur, the following Choghadiya windows are considered favourable:
- Shubh Choghadiya: 11:57 AM – 1:21 PM
- Char Choghadiya: 4:11 PM – 5:35 PM
- Labh Choghadiya: 8:46 PM – 10:21 PM
The Abhijit Muhurat is another traditionally favourable period for important purchases. However, shoppers should check their local Panchang for precise timings.
What Should You Buy on Dhanteras?
Apart from gold and silver, several other items are traditionally purchased during Dhanteras.
These include:
- Gold and silver coins or jewellery
- Brass and copper utensils
- New household utensils
- Lakshmi-Ganesh idols
- Brooms, traditionally associated with welcoming Goddess Lakshmi
- Coriander seeds, used in traditional rituals
- Vehicles and electronic appliances
Some families traditionally avoid purchasing iron and sharp objects on Dhanteras. These practices are based on religious customs and may vary between households.
Why Is Dhanteras Celebrated?
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Dhanvantari emerged during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) carrying a pot of Amrit, the divine nectar of immortality.
Lord Dhanvantari is worshipped as the deity of Ayurveda, health and healing. Goddess Lakshmi represents wealth and prosperity, while Lord Kubera is regarded as the guardian of wealth.
Therefore, Dhanteras is not just associated with buying gold and silver but also with prayers for good health, financial well-being and prosperity.
What Is Yama Deepdaan on Dhanteras?
Lighting a traditional lamp in the evening is another important Dhanteras ritual.
Known as Yama Deepdaan, the practice involves lighting an oil lamp near the main entrance of the house, traditionally facing south. According to religious beliefs, the ritual is performed to seek protection from untimely death and pray for the long life and well-being of family members.
As families prepare for Diwali, Dhanteras marks an occasion to welcome prosperity, celebrate new beginnings and offer prayers for health and happiness.
