Diwali 2026 · Day 1
Dhanteras 2026: puja muhurat, shopping time and Yama Deepam
Dhanteras is on Friday, 6 November 2026. Here is the puja time for New Delhi, when to shop, what to buy and how to light the Yama Deepam.
Dhanteras 2026 date and muhurat
Muhurats are for New Delhi (IST). Pradosh Kaal begins at local sunset, so it starts earlier in eastern cities like Kolkata and later in Mumbai or Ahmedabad.
What Dhanteras means
Dhanteras, or Dhantrayodashi, is the first day of Diwali, kept on Trayodashi of Kartik Krishna Paksha. "Dhan" means wealth, and the day honours two deities: Goddess Lakshmi with Lord Kuber, the treasurer of the gods, and Lord Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods, who is said to have emerged from the Samudra Manthan holding a pot of amrit. The Government of India also observes this day as National Ayurveda Day.
Dhanteras puja vidhi (simple steps)
- Clean the puja place and the main entrance, and draw a small rangoli at the door.
- Place Lakshmi, Kuber and Dhanvantari (a picture is fine) on a red or yellow cloth, with a kalash of water.
- Light a ghee diya, offer roli, rice, flowers, sweets and the new items you have bought.
- Chant "Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah" or the Kuber mantra "Om Yakshaya Kuberaya Vaishravanaya Dhanadhanyadhipataye Namah".
- Finish with aarti and share the prasad.
Yama Deepam
On Dhanteras evening a four-faced (chaumukha) lamp of mustard oil is lit and kept outside the main door facing south, the direction of Yama. The tradition comes from the story of King Hima's son, whose life was saved because his wife kept lamps and gold at the door all night. It is done for the long life of family members.
What to buy on Dhanteras
- Gold and silver: coins, jewellery or a small silver item for the puja.
- Utensils: brass, copper or steel; bring them home filled with something, not empty.
- A new broom: seen as sweeping away poverty.
- Whole coriander (dhaniya): offered in the puja and later sown or kept with savings.
- Diwali puja items: Lakshmi-Ganesh idols, diyas, a Kuber yantra.
Frequently asked questions
When is Dhanteras in 2026?
Dhanteras is on Friday, 6 November 2026. Trayodashi tithi begins at 10:30 AM on 6 November and ends at 10:47 AM on 7 November.
What is the Dhanteras puja time in 2026?
In New Delhi the Dhanteras puja muhurat is 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM, inside Pradosh Kaal (5:33 PM – 8:09 PM) with the fixed Vrishabha Lagna.
What is the best time to buy gold on Dhanteras 2026?
Purchases are traditionally made while Trayodashi is running, which in 2026 is from 10:30 AM on 6 November to 10:47 AM on 7 November. Many families prefer the evening puja window or avoid Rahu Kaal (about 10:41 AM – 12:03 PM on Friday in Delhi).
What should I buy on Dhanteras?
Gold or silver coins and jewellery, brass or steel utensils, a new broom, a Kuber yantra, Lakshmi-Ganesh idols for Diwali, and whole coriander seeds are the usual choices. Many people avoid buying sharp objects, black items or empty containers.
When is Yama Deepam in 2026?
Yama Deepam is lit on the evening of Dhanteras, 6 November 2026: a four-faced lamp of mustard oil is placed outside the main door facing south.
Next in Diwali 2026
Last updated: 2 October 2026