Dhanteras opens the five days of Diwali. Its name joins dhan (wealth) and teras (the thirteenth day, Trayodashi), and it falls on the Trayodashi of Krishna Paksha in Kartik. In 2026, Dhanteras is on Friday, 6 November, two days before Lakshmi Puja.
Dhanteras 2026 date and puja time
Trayodashi begins at 10:30 AM on Friday, 6 November and runs until 10:48 AM on Saturday, 7 November (New Delhi). The puja is done in the pradosh kaal, the hours after sunset (5:32 PM in Delhi), so Dhanteras is observed on the evening of 6 November. See the Dhanteras puja muhurat for 15 cities (New Delhi: 6:03–7:58 PM).
Why we celebrate Dhanteras
Dhanvantari. When the devas and asuras churned the ocean of milk, Lord Dhanvantari, a form of Vishnu and physician of the gods, rose on this Trayodashi holding the pot of amrit. Health, as the saying goes, is the first wealth (pehla sukh nirogi kaya).
King Hima’s son. It was foretold that a prince would die of snakebite on the fourth night of his marriage. His young wife laid all her gold and silver at the door, lit lamps everywhere and kept him awake with stories and songs. When Yama came as a serpent, he was dazzled by the light and left at dawn. That is the origin of the Yama Deepam lit tonight.
Lakshmi and Kuber. As the beginning of Diwali, Dhanteras welcomes Lakshmi and Kuber, the treasurer of the gods, into the home.
Dhanteras puja at home
- Clean the house and the entrance, and make a small rangoli with Lakshmi’s footprints walking inwards.
- After sunset, set up a chowki with a red cloth. Place pictures of Ganesha, Lakshmi, Kuber and Dhanvantari.
- Place the new items you have bought, especially any gold, silver or a new vessel, before the deities with some whole coriander seeds.
- Light a ghee diya, offer kumkum, akshat, flowers, and a sweet made with jaggery or milk.
- Chant Om Dhanvantaraye Namah for health and Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah for prosperity, and sing the Lakshmi aarti.
- Yama Deepam: light a four-wicked mustard-oil lamp and place it outside the main door facing south. Many families keep 13 diyas at the door tonight.
What to buy, and what to avoid
Traditionally bought: gold or silver coins and jewellery, a new brass, copper or steel utensil (bring it home with something sweet inside, not empty), a broom, whole coriander, a Lakshmi-Ganesh idol for Diwali, and new account books.
Traditionally avoided: sharp objects such as knives and scissors, black items, glassware, and things made of iron, as well as lending money or giving away salt or sugar on this day. Families differ, so follow your own custom.
After Dhanteras
The next day is Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali), then Lakshmi Puja on Sunday, 8 November, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj. Read our full guide to Diwali 2026 for the whole week, and to Chhath Puja, the Sun festival that follows six days later.
Frequently asked questions
When is Dhanteras in 2026?
Dhanteras falls on Friday, 6 November 2026. Trayodashi tithi begins at 10:30 AM that day and lasts until 10:48 AM on 7 November (New Delhi), so it covers the evening pradosh period on 6 November, when the Dhanteras puja is done.
What should I buy on Dhanteras?
Gold and silver jewellery or coins, brass, copper or steel utensils, a new broom (seen as a form of Lakshmi that sweeps away poverty), whole coriander seeds (dhaniya) for the puja, and, in many families, a vehicle or electronics. Buy within your means; the point is to bring something new and auspicious home.
What is Yama Deepam?
On Dhanteras evening a four-wicked oil lamp is lit facing south outside the main door as an offering to Yama, the god of death, praying that no member of the family meets an untimely death. It comes from the story of King Hima's son, who was saved when his wife filled the doorway with lamps and jewels.
Why is Dhanvantari worshipped on Dhanteras?
Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods and the father of Ayurveda, rose from the churning of the ocean on this Trayodashi carrying the pot of amrit. The Government of India marks the day as National Ayurveda Day, and families pray to him for good health, the first wealth.
