Dhanteras 2026 Date – 6 November
Dhanteras 2026 is on 6 November (Friday). Dhanteras is the first day of the Diwali festival, for buying gold and new utensils. Also known as Dhantrayodashi, Dhanvantari Jayanti. Dates are calculated for New Delhi.
Dhanteras
Lakshmi and Dhanvantari are worshipped; buying gold, silver, coins or new utensils is considered lucky.
Diwali – Lakshmi Puja
The main day of Diwali, two days after Dhanteras.
What Dhanteras celebrates
Dhanteras falls on Trayodashi, the thirteenth lunar day of the waning fortnight of Kartika, and opens the five days of Diwali. "Dhan" means wealth. The day honours Goddess Lakshmi and Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda, who is said to have emerged from the churning of the ocean carrying a pot of amrit — which is why the Government of India also marks this day as National Ayurveda Day.
What people buy on Dhanteras
- Gold and silver — coins, jewellery or idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha.
- New utensils, especially brass, copper or steel.
- A broom — believed to sweep away poverty.
- Many people also buy vehicles and electronics, and businesses open new account books.
Evening rituals
In the evening, homes are cleaned and lit, Lakshmi Puja is performed, and a Yama Deepam — a lamp lit facing south — is placed outside the house to ward off untimely death.
Planning ahead? Dhanteras 2027 falls on 27 October (Wednesday).
Frequently asked questions
When is Dhanteras in 2026?
Dhanteras 2026 is on 6 November (Friday), as calculated for New Delhi. In some regions the date can differ by a day, depending on when the tithi begins and ends locally.
When is Diwali 2026?
Diwali 2026 is on 8 November (Sunday).
Is Dhanteras a holiday?
Dhanteras is not a central-government holiday, though shops and markets are at their busiest on this day.
Is it good to buy gold on Dhanteras?
Buying gold or silver on Dhanteras is a tradition believed to bring prosperity. If you're buying as an investment, compare prices and making charges — the festive demand doesn't change the metal's value.
When is Dhanteras 2027?
Dhanteras 2027 is on 27 October (Wednesday).