Dhanteras 2026: Know the Puja Vidhi, Auspicious Muhurat, Religious Significance and Special Shopping Traditions

Dhanteras is one of the most important festivals in Hindu tradition and marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali celebrations. Also known as Dhantrayodashi, this festival is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm across India.

On this auspicious occasion, devotees worship Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera to seek good health, wealth, happiness and prosperity. People clean and decorate their homes, light traditional lamps and purchase gold, silver, utensils and other auspicious items.

Let us explore the date of Dhanteras 2026, its religious significance, puja rituals, mythological story and important shopping traditions.

1. When Is Dhanteras 2026?

In 2026, Dhanteras will be celebrated on Friday, 6 November. It falls on the Trayodashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha during the Hindu month of Kartik.

• Day: Friday

• Date: 6 November 2026

• Trayodashi Tithi Begins: Approximately 10:30 AM on 6 November

• Trayodashi Tithi Ends: Approximately 10:47 AM on 7 November

Dhanteras puja is traditionally performed during Pradosh Kaal. The exact auspicious timings may vary depending on the city and local Panchang. 

2. Religious Significance of Dhanteras

Dhanteras holds great religious importance because it is associated with wealth, health and prosperity.

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Dhanvantari appeared during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean), carrying a pot of Amrit, the divine nectar of immortality.

Lord Dhanvantari is regarded as the divine physician and is associated with Ayurveda and healing.

Three important deities are worshipped on this day:

• Lord Dhanvantari: Worshipped for good health, healing and a long life.

• Goddess Lakshmi: Worshipped for wealth, happiness and prosperity.

• Lord Kubera: Worshipped as the divine guardian of wealth and treasures.

Dhanteras reminds people that good health is just as important as wealth and material prosperity.

3. The Mythological Story of Dhanteras

According to Hindu mythology, the gods and demons once joined forces to perform the Samudra Manthan in search of Amrit.

During this divine event, several precious and extraordinary objects emerged from the ocean. Among them was Lord Dhanvantari, who appeared holding a pot filled with Amrit.

Lord Dhanvantari is considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is worshipped as the divine god of Ayurveda and medicine.

His appearance is celebrated as Dhanteras, making this festival especially significant for those seeking good health, well-being and prosperity.

4. Dhanteras Puja Vidhi

Devotees prepare their homes and prayer spaces before performing Dhanteras puja.

Simple steps to perform Dhanteras Puja:

1. Wake up early, take a bath and wear clean clothes.

2. Clean and decorate the house, especially the main entrance and puja area.

3. Place idols or pictures of Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera in the prayer space.

4. Offer flowers, rice grains, sandalwood paste, fruits and sweets.

5. Light a traditional diya using ghee or oil.

6. Chant prayers dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari.

7. Perform the aarti of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera.

8. Pray for good health, happiness and prosperity for the entire family.

Distribute prasad among family members after completing the puja.

5. What Should You Buy on Dhanteras?

Buying new items on Dhanteras is a popular tradition followed by Hindu families. Certain purchases are considered auspicious and are associated with prosperity and positive beginnings.

Here are some commonly purchased items:

1. Gold and Silver: Gold and silver jewellery, coins and other precious items are traditionally considered auspicious purchases.

2. Brass and Copper Utensils: Purchasing metal utensils is an age-old Dhanteras tradition.

3. Broom: A new broom is associated with cleanliness and welcoming Goddess Lakshmi into the home.

4. Coriander Seeds: Many families purchase coriander seeds and use them in religious rituals as a symbol of prosperity.

5. Lakshmi-Ganesh Idols: Buying idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha for Diwali worship is considered auspicious.

6. Gomti Chakra and Cowrie Shells: These traditional objects are used in certain households for worship and religious rituals.

These customs are based on traditional beliefs. Purchasing any particular item is not compulsory.

6. What Should You Avoid Doing on Dhanteras?

According to traditional beliefs, devotees should keep a few things in mind on this auspicious day.

• Avoid keeping the house dirty or disorganized.

• Do not insult or disrespect others.

• Avoid arguments and negative behaviour.

• Do not borrow money unnecessarily for shopping.

• Maintain a peaceful and positive atmosphere during puja.

• Purchase items according to your financial capacity.

The festival encourages people to welcome prosperity with positivity, simplicity and gratitude.

7. Significance of Yama Deepdaan on Dhanteras

One of the important traditions of Dhanteras is Yama Deepdaan, which involves lighting a diya in honour of Lord Yama, the deity associated with death and justice.

According to religious beliefs, devotees light an oil lamp outside the main entrance of their homes, traditionally facing the southern direction.

This ritual is performed to seek protection from untimely death and pray for the long life and well-being of family members.

Yama Deepdaan is considered an important part of Dhanteras celebrations.

8. What Does the Festival of Dhanteras Teach Us?

Dhanteras is not just a festival associated with purchasing gold, silver or new household items. It also teaches the importance of health, cleanliness, positivity and a balanced life.

Worshipping Lord Dhanvantari reminds us to value good health. Praying to Goddess Lakshmi inspires us to work towards prosperity, while worshipping Lord Kubera reminds us of the importance of managing wealth wisely.

The festival encourages people to welcome happiness, maintain harmony and begin new journeys with positive thoughts.

Conclusion

Dhanteras is an auspicious Hindu festival that celebrates wealth, good health and prosperity. It marks the beginning of Diwali festivities and brings families together through prayers, traditional rituals and celebrations.

On this day, devotees worship Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera and observe the tradition of Yama Deepdaan.

May this Dhanteras bring happiness, good health, peace and prosperity to every home.

Wishing everyone a very Happy Dhanteras 2026!