By Satyam, BlueStone Editorial
Dhanteras opens the five-day Diwali season, and knowing the exact Dhanteras 2026 date and time makes all the difference between a hurried puja and a genuinely auspicious one. Whether you are preparing the altar, planning a gold purchase, or simply confirming the date for family, this guide covers everything from the panchang timings to the step-by-step ritual.
Dhanteras 2026 falls on Friday, 6 November 2026, corresponding to Kartik Krishna Trayodashi. The Trayodashi Tithi begins at 10:30 AM on November 6 and ends at 10:47 AM on November 7, 2026. For New Delhi, the ideal Pradosh Kaal and Vrishabha Kaal shubh muhurat for worship and auspicious gold or fine jewellery acquisition is from 06:02 PM to 07:57 PM on November 6. City-specific windows are listed below.
TL;DR: Dhanteras 2026 is on Friday, 6 November 2026. The puja muhurat in New Delhi runs from 06:02 PM to 07:57 PM (Pradosh Kaal and Vrishabha Kaal). Celebrate by worshipping Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Kubera, and welcoming prosperity through auspicious acquisitions.
Last updated: October 2026
When is Dhanteras 2026? Exact Date and Tithi Timings
Dhanteras 2026 date and time is fixed by the Kartik Krishna Trayodashi tithi (the thirteenth lunar day of the dark fortnight in the month of Kartik). According to the standard panchang calculations confirmed by Drik Panchang:
- Trayodashi Tithi begins: 10:30 AM on Friday, 6 November 2026
- Trayodashi Tithi ends: 10:47 AM on Saturday, 7 November 2026
The tithi spans almost two full days, which is why some sources mention both November 6 and November 7. The resolution is straightforward: the evening Pradosh Kaal, the auspicious post-sunset window, falls entirely on November 6. Dhanteras is therefore observed and celebrated on the evening of Friday, 6 November 2026. Shopping can begin once the Trayodashi tithi opens at 10:30 AM; the principal puja, however, is performed during the Pradosh window.
The Sanskrit word Dhanteras combines dhan (wealth) and teras (thirteenth), referencing the thirteenth tithi. It is also called Dhantrayodashi and marks the first day of the Diwali festival span.
Dhanteras 2026 Shubh Muhurat: Pradosh Kaal and Vrishabha Kaal Timings
Two astrological windows define the shubh muhurat for Dhanteras puja and auspicious acquisitions. Understanding them helps you choose the right time and avoid the confusion between the various timings you may see on different panchang sites.
Pradosh Kaal is the evening window of roughly two and a half hours that begins at sunset. On November 6, 2026, for New Delhi, Pradosh Kaal runs from 05:33 PM to 08:09 PM (source: Drik Panchang). This window is considered beneficial for Lakshmi, Kubera, and Dhanvantari worship because the evening twilight is traditionally associated with the arrival of divine grace.
Vrishabha Kaal (also called Sthir Lagna or the fixed Taurus ascendant) is the period when the Taurus zodiac sign rises on the eastern horizon. Taurus is a sthir (fixed, stable) sign. The belief, widely cited by pandits and panchang sources, is that acquiring gold or fine jewellery during this window helps wealth remain stable and settled in the home. For New Delhi on November 6, 2026, Vrishabha Kaal runs from 06:02 PM to 07:57 PM (source: Drik Panchang).
The best single window is where these two overlap: 06:02 PM to 07:57 PM in New Delhi. This is the period cited by Drik Panchang as the Dhanteras Puja Muhurat for 2026.
Minor differences appear across panchang sources due to local latitude and sunset calculation methods. Drik Panchang (a widely used astronomical calculator) gives 06:02 PM; some other sources cite 06:17 PM or 06:19 PM. The variation is a matter of minutes, not hours, and all sources agree the window closes before 08:30 PM.
City-Wise Dhanteras 2026 Puja and Shopping Timings
Sunset shifts by 30 to 60 minutes across India’s east-to-west and north-to-south spread, so city-specific windows matter. Kolkata sees sunset noticeably earlier than Mumbai; Chennai and Bengaluru fall in between.
The table below shows the Pradosh Kaal and Vrishabha Kaal windows for the major metros on 6 November 2026, based on standard panchang calculations:
For cities not listed, check your local sunset time on November 6: Pradosh Kaal starts at sunset and lasts about two and a half hours, and the puja muhurat falls inside it. The Vrishabha Kaal muhurat will typically coincide with or start a few minutes after sunset in most Indian latitudes.
For shopping during the day, the tithi is active from 10:30 AM, and many families complete their gold or utensil purchases through the afternoon before returning home for the evening puja.
The Legend and Cultural Significance of Dhanteras: Lord Dhanvantari, Lakshmi, and Kubera
Dhanteras carries a dual significance that most calendar apps miss: it honours health alongside wealth, not just prosperity.
The festival’s primary deity is Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician who is considered the father of Ayurveda (the ancient Indian science of holistic well-being). According to the legend of the Samudra Manthan (the churning of the cosmic ocean by the gods and demons), Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the depths carrying a kalash (pot) filled with amrit, the nectar of immortality. This appearance happened on the Trayodashi tithi of Kartik, which is why Dhanteras is also called Dhanvantari Trayodashi. Health is worshipped first because, as the tradition holds, wealth without well-being is incomplete.
Alongside Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi (abundance and prosperity) and Lord Kubera (the treasurer of the gods and the guardian of material wealth) are worshipped. The pairing reflects the festival’s complete vision: sound health, stable income, and responsible stewardship of resources.
The word dhan in Dhanteras broadly means wealth, but in the Vedic sense it includes health, family, knowledge, and physical resources alongside money. Buying gold or fine jewellery on this day is understood, in traditional belief, as an act of welcoming dhan into the household in its most enduring form.
The Five-Day Festival Calendar: From Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj 2026
Dhanteras 2026 date in India marks the beginning of a five-day festive sequence. Here is the complete calendar for 2026, using the verified festival dates:
- Day 1 (Dhanteras / Dhantrayodashi): Friday, 6 November 2026
- Day 2 (Narak Chaturdashi / Chhoti Diwali): Saturday, 7 November 2026
- Day 3 (Lakshmi Puja / Diwali): Sunday, 8 November 2026
- Day 4 (Govardhan Puja): Tuesday, 10 November 2026
- Day 5 (Bhai Dooj): Wednesday, 11 November 2026
Planning purchases and travel around this span helps families coordinate across cities. Many working professionals take the entire week off, so arranging delivery of jewellery or gifts well before November 6 avoids last-minute delays.
Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) is on Sunday, 8 November 2026, two days after Dhanteras. The two festivals are often confused, but they serve different purposes in the calendar: Dhanteras is for welcoming prosperity through acquisition and Dhanvantari worship; Diwali is the main Lakshmi puja with lamps, sweets, and family celebration.
Step-by-Step Dhanteras Puja Vidhi and Yamadeepdan Rituals
The puja for Dhanteras is performed at home and involves a clear sequence. Following it in order keeps the ritual grounded and meaningful rather than rushed.
- Clean and prepare the space. Deep clean the home and the puja area earlier in the day. Set up a wooden chowki (low stool) and place a red or yellow cloth over it. Arrange idols or framed images of Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Kubera on the chowki.
- Arrange the puja samagri. You will need: a clay or brass diya filled with ghee or sesame oil, incense sticks, fresh marigold flowers, akshat (unbroken rice grains), kumkum, haldi, a betel leaf with a coin on it, and a kalash (water pot) with mango leaves and a coconut on top. Place the items you purchased that day (gold, utensils, broom) near the altar.
- Begin puja during Pradosh Kaal (06:02 PM to 07:57 PM in Delhi). Light the diya and incense. Invoke Lord Ganesha first with a short prayer. Then offer flowers, akshat, and kumkum to Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Kubera in sequence. Recite the Dhanvantari mantra and Lakshmi stotra if you know them; a simple heartfelt prayer works equally well.
- Perform aarti. Wave a lit lamp in circular motions before each deity and ring a bell. Distribute prasad to family members.
- Perform Yamadeepdan. This is a distinct ritual, separate from the main puja. Light a mustard-oil earthen lamp with four wicks and place it facing south, outside the main entrance of the home. The south direction is associated with Yama (the god of death) in Hindu tradition, and this lamp is lit as an act of reverence and protection. It is believed to ward off untimely death for family members. Drik Panchang and AstroZindagi both note this as an observance specific to the Dhanteras evening.
The Yamadeepdan lamp is placed once and left to burn; it is not brought back inside. Keep it in a safe spot where it will not be knocked over.
Auspicious Acquisitions: Welcoming Prosperity with Certified Gold and Fine Jewellery
Purchasing gold or fine jewellery on Dhanteras is one of the oldest festival customs in India. The tradition spans metals (gold, brass, copper) and everyday objects (brooms, coriander seeds), but gold and jewellery remain the most significant acquisitions. Here is what to look for and why it matters.
What is traditionally bought on Dhanteras? According to Jagran and other cultural sources, the customary purchases include gold coins or jewellery, brass or copper utensils, brooms (jhadu, as a symbol of sweeping in prosperity), and whole coriander seeds (dhaniya). The emphasis on durable, enduring items connects to the sthir (stable) theme of the Vrishabha Kaal muhurat.
How to buy gold with confidence. Gold jewellery in India is sold by purity (measured in karats, where 24K is pure gold) and weight. The two most common purities are 22 karat (22K), which is 91.6% gold mixed with copper or zinc for durability, and 18 karat (18K), which is 75% gold and typically used for diamond or gemstone-set pieces. The BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) mandates hallmarking for all gold jewellery sold in India, with a HUID (Hallmark Unique ID), a six-character alphanumeric code that is laser-engraved on the piece and traceable on the BIS CARE portal. When you buy, check for the BIS hallmark logo and the HUID on the piece itself.
Making charges, the fee for labour and craftsmanship, are added on top of the gold value. They vary by design complexity and the jeweller’s pricing model.
The flat lay above shows The Channing Bangle, an 18K yellow gold diamond bangle with brilliant round diamonds channel-set along the band. The clean profile and the warm gold make it a fitting piece for a Dhanteras acquisition meant to last.
If you have old gold at home and want to upgrade, BlueStone’s Old Gold Exchange lets you exchange plain gold jewellery, biscuits, or bars for instant value toward a new piece, with an instant 2-karat upgrade or 1% additional value (your choice).
Shop with confidence: all BlueStone jewellery comes with free shipping across India, and a 30-day money-back window and Lifetime Exchange after that.
Curated Design Highlights
Explore our curated selection of auspicious fine jewellery and gold pieces crafted for Dhanteras 2026.
Curated Design Highlights: This season, we have chosen pieces that carry the warmth and intention of the occasion. The Shubhlatika Mangalsutra Necklace combines diamond-studded floral motifs with auspicious black bead stations in 18K gold, thoughtfully crafted for everyday and ceremonial wear alike. For those looking to mark Dhanteras with a ring, The Yuthika Highway Ring brings a structured, modern silhouette in fine gold, while The Le Sommet Ring offers a quieter, architectural form suited to those who prefer understated craftsmanship. Each gold piece carries the BIS hallmark.
Conclusion
Dhanteras 2026 on Friday, 6 November gives you a clear, well-defined window for everything: shopping begins after 10:30 AM, and the main puja muhurat runs from 06:02 PM to 07:57 PM in New Delhi. Check your city’s local sunset time for a precise local window. Prepare the altar and the Yamadeepdan lamp alongside the puja, and remember that the ritual honours health and well-being first, through Lord Dhanvantari, before the celebration of material prosperity.
If you are adding to your jewellery collection this Dhanteras, look for the BIS hallmark and HUID on every gold piece. Our Dhanteras jewellery collection brings together certified gold and diamond pieces chosen for the occasion.
More Festive Guides & Related Resources
- Diwali Muhurat 2026: Lakshmi Puja Timings
- What to Buy This Dhanteras: Gold and Diamond Jewellery Ideas
- Dhanteras Shopping Guide: Vastu Tips for Buying Jewellery
- What Is the HUID Code in Gold Jewellery and How to Verify It
- Dhanteras Wishes in Hindi 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Dhanteras 2026?
Dhanteras 2026 falls on Friday, 6 November 2026, corresponding to Kartik Krishna Trayodashi. It is the first day of the five-day Diwali festival span. The Trayodashi Tithi begins at 10:30 AM on November 6 and ends at 10:47 AM on November 7. The principal worship and auspicious acquisitions happen on the evening of November 6.
What are the Dhanteras 2026 puja timings?
The auspicious puja muhurat on 6 November 2026 in New Delhi runs from 06:02 PM to 07:57 PM, the window where Pradosh Kaal and Vrishabha Kaal overlap. For other cities, timings vary by local sunset time: Kolkata will be approximately 30 minutes earlier, and Mumbai about 30 minutes later than Delhi. Check a local panchang for your city’s exact window.
When does Trayodashi Tithi begin and end in 2026?
The Trayodashi Tithi begins at 10:30 AM on Friday, 6 November 2026, and concludes at 10:47 AM on Saturday, 7 November 2026. Because the evening Pradosh Kaal falls entirely on November 6, Dhanteras puja is observed on that evening despite the tithi extending into the following morning.
What is Pradosh Kaal and why is it important?
Pradosh Kaal is the auspicious evening window that begins at sunset and lasts about two and a half hours. For New Delhi on 6 November 2026, Pradosh Kaal spans 05:33 PM to 08:09 PM. It is considered ideal for performing Lakshmi, Kubera, and Dhanvantari puja because the evening twilight is traditionally associated in Hindu belief with the arrival of divine blessings. All major panchang sources agree on this window as the primary puja time.
Why do we worship Lord Dhanvantari on Dhanteras?
According to Hindu tradition, Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician and originator of Ayurveda, emerged from the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan) on the Trayodashi tithi carrying a pot of amrit (nectar). Worshipping him on Dhanteras is a prayer for health and well-being. The occasion is also called Dhanvantari Trayodashi. Health is understood as foundational: the festival honours it before celebrating material wealth through Lakshmi and Kubera worship.
What items are traditionally bought on Dhanteras?
Traditional purchases include gold coins or jewellery, brass or copper utensils, brooms (jhadu, symbolising the sweeping in of prosperity), and whole coriander seeds (dhaniya). Gold and fine jewellery are the most significant acquisitions, representing enduring value and the welcoming of prosperity into the home. Shopping can begin once the Trayodashi tithi opens at 10:30 AM on November 6, with many families completing purchases through the afternoon before the evening puja.
What is Yamadeepdan?
Yamadeepdan is the ritual of lighting a four-wick mustard-oil earthen lamp and placing it facing south outside the main entrance on Dhanteras evening. South is the direction of Yama, the god of death in Hindu belief, and this lamp is offered as an act of reverence and prayer for the protection of family members from untimely death. It is performed after the main puja and left to burn outside; it is not brought indoors.
Is Dhanteras the same day as Diwali?
No. Dhanteras is the first day of the festival, on Friday, 6 November 2026, while Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) falls two days later on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Chhoti Diwali (Narak Chaturdashi) falls in between, on Saturday, 7 November 2026. Each day has its own rituals and significance within the five-day festival calendar that concludes with Bhai Dooj on Wednesday, 11 November 2026.
Can gold jewellery be bought in the morning on Dhanteras or only during the muhurat?
Gold and jewellery shopping can begin as soon as the Trayodashi Tithi opens at 10:30 AM on November 6. Many families and shop owners observe that daytime shopping is practical and perfectly acceptable. The Pradosh Kaal muhurat (06:02 PM to 07:57 PM in Delhi) is specifically recommended for performing the Lakshmi puja and formally welcoming new acquisitions into the home, not as the exclusive window for purchase transactions.
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