Dhanteras 2026 will be celebrated on Friday, November 6, marking the beginning of the main Diwali festival period. Also known as Dhantrayodashi, the festival is associated with Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera and Lord Dhanvantari. Families traditionally worship for wealth, prosperity, good health and well-being, while many people purchase gold, silver, utensils and other auspicious items.
For people in Surat and across Gujarat, Dhanteras is also an important shopping occasion, with jewellery stores, utensil markets and businesses preparing for festive demand.
When Is Dhanteras 2026?
- Festival: Dhanteras (Dhantrayodashi)
- Date: Friday, November 6, 2026
- Trayodashi Tithi begins: Approximately 10:30 AM on November 6
- Trayodashi Tithi ends: Approximately 10:47 AM on November 7
- Main rituals: Lakshmi-Kubera Puja, Dhanvantari worship and Yama Deepdaan
Dhanteras is observed on the day when the Trayodashi tithi coincides with the evening Pradosh period. The festival falls two days before Diwali, which will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
Dhanteras 2026 Puja Muhurat
The main Dhanteras puja is traditionally performed in the evening during Pradosh Kaal, after sunset.
Puja timings for Surat
According to city-specific Panchang calculations, the following timings are expected for Surat:
| Ritual | Timing on November 6 |
|---|---|
| Sunset | Around 6:00 PM |
| Pradosh Kaal | Around 6:00 PM–8:24 PM |
| Lakshmi-Kubera Puja Muhurat | Approximately 6:33 PM–8:24 PM |
| Trayodashi Tithi ends | Around 10:48 AM on November 7 |
These timings can differ slightly between Panchang sources. Devotees should confirm the final muhurat with their local temple or family Panchang.
Dhanteras puja timing for New Delhi
For comparison, Drik Panchang lists the main Dhanteras puja muhurat in New Delhi as approximately 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM on November 6. This difference shows why local timings should be checked instead of following one national time for every city.
Gold and Silver Buying Muhurat on Dhanteras 2026
Buying precious metals on Dhanteras is a popular tradition. Gold jewellery, silver coins and new utensils are considered symbols of prosperity and good fortune.
For Surat, one published city-specific Panchang lists these favourable shopping windows on November 6:
| Shopping window | Time |
|---|---|
| Amrit | 10:31 AM–10:58 AM |
| Shubh | 12:22 PM–1:47 PM |
| Char | 4:36 PM–6:00 PM |
| Labh | 9:11 PM–10:47 PM |
These are traditional Choghadiya-based windows, not a guarantee of financial benefit. The timings may vary slightly by Panchang, and shoppers should verify them locally.
Shopping tip: You do not need to buy expensive jewellery to observe Dhanteras. A small silver coin, a modest utensil or another purchase within your budget can be enough to honour the tradition.
What Should You Buy on Dhanteras?
Several items are traditionally purchased on this day, although customs differ between families and regions.
1. Gold and silver
Gold jewellery, silver coins and small silver articles are popular choices. Some families purchase coins bearing images of Goddess Lakshmi or Lord Ganesha for their Diwali puja.
2. New utensils
Brass, copper and steel utensils are commonly purchased for the household. Some families place the new utensils in the puja area before using them.
3. Lakshmi-Ganesha idols
Many households purchase or prepare idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha for the main Diwali puja.
4. Diyas and puja materials
Clay diyas, cotton wicks, oil or ghee, flowers, incense, sweets and other puja essentials are commonly bought before the festival.
5. Coriander seeds and a new broom
In some regional traditions, whole coriander seeds and a new broom are associated with prosperity and household well-being.
These are customary practices rather than compulsory purchases. Families may follow their own regional and religious traditions.
Dhanteras Puja Vidhi: How to Perform the Ritual
Families can follow their established traditions. A commonly followed puja sequence includes the following steps:
- Clean the home: Clean the entrance and puja area before the evening rituals. Rangoli and decorations may be added.
- Prepare the puja space: Place the idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kubera and Lord Dhanvantari according to family tradition.
- Light a diya: Light a lamp and offer flowers, incense and other puja materials.
- Perform Lakshmi-Kubera Puja: Pray for prosperity, financial stability and responsible use of wealth.
- Remember Lord Dhanvantari: Offer prayers for health and well-being.
- Include new purchases: If desired, place newly purchased coins or utensils in the puja area.
- Perform Yama Deepdaan: Many families light a special lamp outside the home in the evening as a prayer for protection and the well-being of family members.
The exact sequence, offerings and mantras vary by community and household.
Why Is Dhanteras Celebrated?
Dhanteras has two major religious associations.
Worship of Lord Dhanvantari
According to Hindu tradition, Lord Dhanvantari emerged during the Samudra Manthan carrying a pot of amrit, the nectar associated with immortality. He is revered in connection with Ayurveda, health and healing. Devotees therefore pray for good health and well-being on Dhanteras.
Worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera
Goddess Lakshmi represents prosperity and abundance, while Lord Kubera is associated with wealth and its guardianship. Worshipping them on Dhanteras is believed by devotees to invite prosperity and good fortune.
The festival also encourages families to begin the Diwali period with cleanliness, prayer and preparations for the coming year.
What Is Yama Deepdaan?
Yama Deepdaan is a ritual observed by many households on Dhanteras. A lamp is lit outside the home in remembrance of Yama, the deity associated with death, and as a prayer for the protection and longevity of family members.
The placement of the lamp, its direction and the materials used may differ according to local customs. Families should follow their customary practice or the guidance of their priest.
Diwali 2026: Festival Dates to Remember
Dhanteras is part of a wider series of celebrations leading into Diwali and the Gujarati New Year.
| Festival | Date |
|---|---|
| Dhanteras | Friday, November 6, 2026 |
| Kali Chaudas | Saturday, November 7, 2026 |
| Diwali and Lakshmi Puja | Sunday, November 8, 2026 |
| Gujarati New Year / Bestu Varas | Tuesday, November 10, 2026 |
| Bhai Dooj | Wednesday, November 11, 2026 |
Festival observances can vary by regional calendar and local tradition. In particular, some calendars group Narak Chaturdashi and Lakshmi Puja differently when they fall on the same date.
Dhanteras 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
When is Dhanteras in 2026?
Dhanteras will be observed on Friday, November 6, 2026.
What is the Dhanteras puja muhurat in Surat?
One city-specific Panchang lists the main puja window as approximately 6:33 PM to 8:24 PM. Check a local Panchang for the final timing.
When does Trayodashi tithi begin and end?
The tithi is expected to begin around 10:30 AM on November 6 and end around 10:47 AM on November 7, 2026.
Is buying gold compulsory on Dhanteras?
No. Buying gold is a popular custom, but it is not compulsory. People can observe the festival through prayers, lighting diyas and other family traditions without making an expensive purchase.
What can be bought besides gold?
Common choices include silver coins, brass or steel utensils, diyas, puja materials and other household items.
Why is Dhanteras associated with health?
The festival honours Lord Dhanvantari, who is associated with Ayurveda and healing in Hindu tradition.
When is Diwali in 2026?
Diwali and Lakshmi Puja will be celebrated on Sunday, November 8, 2026, according to the cited calendars.
Also read, Diwali 2026 Calendar: Dates, Lakshmi Puja Muhurat & Gujarati New Year
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