Wealth worship. Gold/silver purchase. Start of Diwali festivities.
Dhanteras, the first day of the Diwali festival, takes its name from "Dhan" (wealth) and "Teras" (the thirteenth tithi). It honours Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician who arose from the churning of the cosmic ocean holding the pot of amrit, the nectar of immortality. For this reason Dhanteras is a day for both health and wealth, when families pray to Dhanvantari for wellbeing and to Lakshmi and Kubera for prosperity.
It is considered very auspicious to buy something new on Dhanteras, especially gold, silver or new utensils, as a symbol of welcoming Lakshmi and wealth into the home. In the evening, homes are cleaned and lamps are lit, and the Lakshmi and Dhanvantari puja is performed. A diya is also kept at the doorstep through the night as a mark of respect to Yama, the lord of death, praying for the long life of the family.
Many families plan their gold, silver or vehicle purchase for the auspicious window on Dhanteras, believing it multiplies through the year. The best buying muhurat usually falls in the afternoon and evening of the day, but the exact timing shifts by city and year. Always check the Panchang for the day before you buy. For 6 November 2026, see the full Panchang for the precise auspicious muhurat and the Pradosh Kaal puja timing for your city.
Dhanteras 2026 is on Friday, 6 November 2026, the first day of the five-day Diwali festival, followed by Kali Chaudas, Diwali, Bestu Varas and Bhai Dooj.
Buying gold or silver is auspicious through the day, with the afternoon and evening muhurat especially favoured. The exact timing depends on your city, so check the 6 November Panchang for the precise auspicious muhurat for your location.
Gold, silver, new utensils, coins with Lakshmi and Ganesh, brooms and household items are traditionally bought on Dhanteras as a symbol of inviting wealth and prosperity into the home.
In the evening, the home is cleaned and lit, and Lakshmi, Kubera and Dhanvantari are worshipped for health and wealth. A lamp is kept at the doorstep through the night in honour of Yama for the long life of the family.