Dhanteras 2026 falls on Friday, November 6, and the Trayodashi puja window in New Delhi runs from 5:49 PM to 7:15 PM, according to Dekho Panchang. The festival opens the five-day Diwali sequence, so it is the first day to be ready: home cleaned, diyas arranged and purchases planned before the evening begins.
This guide covers the date and the puja muhurat for major Indian cities, Dhanteras meaning, a simple puja at home, what to buy and what to avoid, and a money-smart way to approach gold and big purchases. Diwali itself follows on Sunday, November 8.
Dhanteras 2026 Date and Puja Muhurat
Dekho Panchang lists Dhanteras on Friday, November 6, 2026, on Ashwina Krishna Trayodashi. The festival is observed when the Trayodashi tithi prevails during Pradosh Kaal, the period after sunset. The page lists the puja muhurat for New Delhi as 5:49 PM to 7:15 PM, and it advises confirming the exact window before scheduling.
Dhanteras Puja Muhurat by City
| City | Puja muhurat on November 6, 2026 |
|---|---|
| New Delhi | 5:49 PM to 7:15 PM |
| Mumbai | 6:19 PM to 7:45 PM |
| Pune | 6:16 PM to 7:42 PM |
| Bangalore | 6:08 PM to 7:34 PM |
| Chennai | 5:57 PM to 7:23 PM |
| Kolkata | 5:13 PM to 6:39 PM |
Use the window for your own city, because sunset varies across the country. If you live elsewhere, a local temple or a panchang for your city is the safest guide.
The Five Days of Diwali in 2026
| Date | Day | Main focus |
|---|---|---|
| November 6 | Dhanteras | Buying, cleaning, evening puja |
| November 7 | Naraka Chaturdashi (Chhoti Diwali) | Sweets and visits |
| November 8 | Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) | Main puja at dusk |
| November 9 | Govardhan Puja | Annakut and family |
| November 11 | Bhai Dooj | Siblings; Drik Panchang lists November 11 for New Delhi |
Dhanteras Meaning and Significance
Dhanteras is also called Dhanatrayodashi, from the Sanskrit for the thirteenth lunar day, according to Wikipedia. The festival honours Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda, who emerged during the churning of the ocean holding a pot of amrita. Lakshmi is worshipped in the evening, and Dekho Panchang adds that Lakshmi and Kubera are worshipped for wealth and prosperity.
Why Diyas Are Lit for Yama
Wikipedia describes a custom called yamadipadana, in which thirteen wheat-flour diyas are placed facing south to honour Yama and ward off untimely death during Diwali. Dekho Panchang also notes that lamps lit facing south are associated with warding off Yama. In many homes this lamp is lit near the main door after dark.
Dhanteras Puja at Home: Simple Steps
Families follow different traditions, so treat this as a simple outline and follow your own family or priest’s practice where it differs.
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Clean the house and puja area before the day and draw a rangoli at the entrance |
| 2 | Place images of Lakshmi, Ganesha and Dhanvantari on a clean platform |
| 3 | Light a diya and offer flowers during Pradosh Kaal |
| 4 | Offer sweets and simple items such as puffed rice and batashas |
| 5 | Place a lit diya facing south near the main door after dark |
| 6 | Put away the new purchase near the puja area and complete the aarti |
Wikipedia notes that the evening puja to Lakshmi and Ganesha includes offerings of puffed rice, candy toys, rice cakes and batashas, and that women and children decorate doorways with rangoli.
Dhanteras Puja Samagri Checklist
Keep ready: diyas and wicks, oil or ghee, flowers, incense, roli and rice, sweets, puffed rice and batashas, a clean cloth, and the item you purchased. Arrange everything before Pradosh Kaal begins so you are not searching mid-puja.
What to Buy on Dhanteras
Dekho Panchang says to buy one small metal item, preferably silver, copper or steel, and Wikipedia notes that gold, silver and new utensils are considered auspicious. You do not need to buy something large for the day to count.
| Item | Why it is chosen | Money note |
|---|---|---|
| Gold or silver coin or jewellery | Traditionally considered auspicious | Fix a budget; avoid stretching for it |
| New steel, copper or brass utensil | Easy, useful and affordable | Good for small budgets |
| Kitchenware or appliance | Modern extension of the tradition | Compare offers carefully |
| Diyas and decor | Used in the evening puja | Low cost |
What to Avoid on Dhanteras
Dekho Panchang advises avoiding iron or sharp items such as knives and scissors, and not buying on credit. The credit advice is also good money sense. Our guide to paying off credit card debt fast is worth keeping handy if the festive month has already stretched your card.
Spend Smart This Dhanteras
A symbolic purchase is enough for the tradition. If you plan a larger buy such as jewellery or an appliance, decide the amount in advance and pay from savings. Our guide to personal finance habits that build wealth explains the small routines that keep festive spending from derailing the rest of the year.
Be careful of fake offers around the day. Verify any online sale before paying, and never share an OTP, because scam messages rise during the festive season.
