Dhanteras 2026 Tomorrow: Dhanteras will be celebrated on Friday, November 6, to mark the start of the big Diwali celebrations. This auspicious day, also known as Dhantrayodashi, is associated with Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera and Lord Dhanvantari. There are many rituals that people carry out including buying gold and silver, performing Lakshmi-Kubera Puja and lighting Yam Deepak.
Dhanteras 2026 Date and Muhrut
Dhanteras is celebrated on Trayodashi Tithi in Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. It will be celebrated on November 6 in 2026.
According to the New Delhi Panchang the important timings are:
- Trayodashi Tithi Begins: 10:30AM, November 6
- Trayodashi Tithi Ends: 10:47AM, November 7
- Dhanteras Puja Muhrut: 6:02PM to 7:57PM
- Pradosh Kaal: 5:33PM to 8:09PM
Why Do We Celebrate Dhanteras?
The name Dhanteras is derived from two Sanskrit words ‘Dhan’ meaning wealth and ‘Teras’ meaning thirteenth lunar day.
Lord Dhanvantari is a revered God in Hindu mythology. During Samudra Manthan he emerged from the ocean with a pot of Amrit (divine nectar). He is the divine doctor and is heavily linked with Ayurveda.
Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped as the wealth God and Lord Kubera is considered to be the God of wealth. This is why Dhanteras holds significance.
Dhanteras 2026 Rituals
Clean your home: It is considered important to clean your home in preparation for Dhanteras. Families will decorate their entrances with rangoli, flowers and coloured decorations. In the evening they will light diyas to represent banishing bad and dark energy.
Buy Gold, Silver or Utensils: Buying gold and silver coins, jewellery and new utensils are some of the most popular traditions. This represents wealth and financial security. If you’re not wanting to buy any precious metals then buy something small for your home to fit within your budget.
Worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera: People offer evening prayers to seek blessings for financial security, wealth and success. Lord Ganesha will also be worshipped before the puja. Flowers, sweets, incense and lights will commonly be offered.
Offer Prayers to Lord Dhanvantari: Dhanteras is celebrated as Dhanvantari Jayanti. People will offer prayers to Lord Dhanvantari to wish for good health, long life and to keep away diseases. This reminds us that health is just as important.
Light Yam Deepak: Yam Deepam or Yamadeepdaan is one of the key rituals of Dhanteras. A traditional clay lamp is lit outside your home. It is usually placed near the front door and faces south. This represents seeking protection from sudden death and praying for the wellbeing of your family.
Auspicious Items to Buy on Dhanteras 2025; List of Items to Avoid
Dhanteras 2026 Dos
Here are some of the traditions that people commonly carry out:
- Clean your home and puja space.
- Decorate your entrance with rangoli and flowers.
- Light clay diyas in the evening.
- Buy gold/silver/utensils or anything auspicious within your budget.
- Perform Lakshmi-Ganesh and Kubera Puja depending on your family traditions.
- Make offerings to Lord Dhanvantari for good health.
- Light a Yam Deepak if your family celebrate this tradition.
- Donate food, clothes or essential items to those in need.
- Keep your home calm and positive.
Dhanteras 2026 Don’ts
Some families will not do the following:
- Don’t buy any sharp items: Some families will avoid buying knives, scissors, blades etc as it is believed this can cause arguments and separation.
- Don’t buy any iron items: Some traditions will not buy any iron items.
- Don’t buy anything black: Some families like to have bright and celebratory colours so will not buy anything black.
- Don’t borrow or lend: Some traditional beliefs in certain communities will advise against any financial dealings.
- Avoid arguments: It is considered important to keep things calm.
- Don’t overspend: You don’t have to buy any gold or silver. Always stay within your budget.
- Don’t leave new utensils empty: A popular tradition is to fill new utensils with rice, grains, water or sweets.
These are based on regional and family traditions and aren’t set rules.
What Does Dhanteras Mean in Ayurveda?
Aside from buying gold and silver, Dhanteras has special significance in Ayurveda as it is related to Lord Dhanvantari.
It is a great time to remember the Ayurvedic saying ‘Swasthasya Swasthya Rakshanam’. This means looking after the health of those who are already well.
On November 4, 2026 the Ministry of Ayush highlighted the importance of preventative healthcare. Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav encouraged people to focus on healthy eating, yoga, regular health checks and preventative healthcare.
