Dhanteras 2026: Date, Puja Muhurat, Puja Vidhi, Shopping, Mantras and Significance

 

Dhanteras is an important Hindu festival that marks the beginning of Diwali celebrations. It is associated with Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Kuber. Devotees celebrate this occasion by performing puja, lighting lamps, buying useful items, and praying for health, happiness, and prosperity.

In 2026, Dhanteras will be celebrated on Friday, November 6. Whether you want to know the Dhanteras puja muhurat, the correct puja procedure, what to buy, or the significance of Yam Deepdan, this guide covers the main traditions and rituals associated with the festival.

When Is Dhanteras in 2026?

Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, falls on the Trayodashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik. It is traditionally observed two days before Diwali and marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival.

Dhanteras 2026 Date: Friday, November 6, 2026

The festival is associated with prayers for good health, financial well-being, prosperity, and auspicious beginnings.

Dhanteras 2026 Puja Muhurat and Trayodashi Tithi

According to the Panchang timings provided in the source article, the following timings apply for Dhanteras 2026:

• Dhanteras: Friday, November 6, 2026
• Dhanteras Puja Muhurat (Vrishabha Lagna): 7:01 PM to 8:57 PM
• Trayodashi Tithi Begins: November 6, 2026, at 10:33 AM
• Trayodashi Tithi Ends: November 7, 2026, at 10:49 AM

Puja timings may vary according to the city and local Panchang. Before performing the rituals, check the timings for your location.

Why Is Dhanteras Celebrated?

Dhanteras has religious significance related to both health and prosperity. According to Hindu tradition, Lord Dhanvantari appeared during Samudra Manthan, the churning of the cosmic ocean, carrying a pot of Amrit.

Lord Dhanvantari is regarded as the deity associated with Ayurveda and medicine. Devotees therefore worship him on Dhanteras and pray for health and well-being.

The festival is also associated with Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, and Lord Kuber, who is traditionally linked with wealth. Worshipping these deities is considered an expression of devotion and a prayer for peace, abundance, and auspiciousness in the home.

Which Gods Are Worshipped on Dhanteras?

The deities worshipped on Dhanteras may vary according to family and regional customs. The following deities are especially important in many traditions.

1. Lord Dhanvantari

Lord Dhanvantari is associated with Ayurveda, medicine, and well-being. Devotees offer prayers to him for good health and a healthy life.

2. Goddess Lakshmi

Goddess Lakshmi represents wealth, prosperity, abundance, and auspiciousness. Families worship her with devotion and pray for peace and prosperity in their homes.

3. Lord Kuber

Lord Kuber is traditionally regarded as the guardian of wealth. Devotees worship him with prayers for financial stability and prosperity.

4. Lord Ganesha

Lord Ganesha is worshipped before many Hindu rituals as the deity associated with auspicious beginnings and the removal of obstacles.

If you want to learn more about Vedic puja rituals, you can explore the information available at SanatanJyoti:

Dhanteras Puja Vidhi: Step-by-Step Rituals

Dhanteras puja is generally performed with devotion during the prescribed evening muhurat. The exact procedure may differ among families and regions. The following steps offer a general guide.

Step 1: Clean and Decorate Your Home

Clean the home before the festival, especially the entrance and puja area. You may decorate the entrance with rangoli, flowers, and traditional lamps.

Step 2: Prepare the Puja Area

Place a clean red or yellow cloth on a suitable platform. Arrange the pictures or idols of the deities you worship and keep the puja materials ready.

Step 3: Arrange the Puja Samagri

Commonly used puja items include:

• Roli and Akshat
• Chandan
• Flowers and garlands
• Incense sticks and a diya
• Gangajal or clean water
• Fruits and sweets
• Naivedya

The exact items may vary according to your family tradition.

Step 4: Perform the Puja

Begin by remembering Lord Ganesha. Then worship Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Kuber according to your tradition. Offer flowers, water, incense, lamps, and bhog with devotion.

Step 5: Light Diyas

Light a diya in the puja area. Many families also place lamps near the entrance, in the courtyard, or near the Tulsi plant. Follow your household customs when deciding where to place the lamps.

Step 6: Chant Mantras and Perform Aarti

Chant the mantras associated with the deities you are worshipping. Perform aarti and pray for health, happiness, peace, and prosperity.

Step 7: Donate According to Your Ability

Dhanteras is also an opportunity to practice charity. You may donate food, clothes, lamps, or other useful items to people in need according to your means.

What Should You Buy on Dhanteras?

Buying new items on Dhanteras is a popular tradition. Many people consider it an auspicious time to bring useful or valuable things into their homes.

Common purchases include:

• Gold and silver
• Silver coins
• Metal utensils
• Jewellery
• Household essentials
• Vehicles or other necessary items

Choose purchases according to your needs and budget. There is no need to spend beyond your financial capacity to observe the festival.

Why Do People Buy a Broom on Dhanteras?

In some regions, buying a new broom is considered auspicious. The tradition is commonly associated with cleanliness and maintaining a well-kept home.

Some families apply turmeric, Kumkum, and Akshat to the new broom as part of their customs. Practices may differ from one region to another.

Why Is Coriander Bought on Dhanteras?

Some families buy whole coriander seeds on Dhanteras as part of a regional folk tradition associated with prosperity. They may offer the seeds during puja or keep them in a place where grains or valuables are stored.

This is a regional custom rather than a practice followed by every household.

What Is Yam Deepdan on Dhanteras?

Yam Deepdan is a tradition of lighting a lamp in the name of Yamraj on the evening of Dhanteras. In many households, a diya is placed outside the main entrance, traditionally facing south.

According to religious belief, this ritual is associated with prayers for family well-being and protection from untimely death. The way Yam Deepdan is performed may vary according to local and family traditions.

Dhanteras Mantras

Devotees may chant mantras dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari and Lord Kuber during their prayers.

Lord Dhanvantari Mantra

Om Dhanvantaraye Namah.

This mantra is chanted by devotees while remembering Lord Dhanvantari and praying for health and well-being.

Lord Kuber Mantra

Om Shreem Hreem Kleem Shreem Kleem Vitteshwaraya Namah.

Devotees may chant this mantra according to their faith and family tradition while praying for prosperity.

The Story of Lord Dhanvantari

According to Hindu religious tradition, Lord Dhanvantari appeared during Samudra Manthan carrying a pot of Amrit. He is regarded as the divine physician and is associated with Ayurveda and medicine.

This story explains why Dhanteras is connected with health and well-being, in addition to wealth and shopping. Devotees remember Lord Dhanvantari and offer prayers for the health of themselves and their families.

The Story of Goddess Lakshmi Associated with Dhanteras

A popular traditional story tells of Goddess Lakshmi visiting a farmer's home during her journey to Earth with Lord Vishnu.

According to the story, Goddess Lakshmi stayed at the farmer's house after Lord Vishnu asked her to remain there for a period of time. Her presence was followed by an increase in the farmer's prosperity.

When Lord Vishnu later came to take her back, the farmer did not want her to leave because he believed her presence had brought good fortune. Goddess Lakshmi then instructed him to worship her on Dhanteras according to the traditional rituals.

The farmer followed her instructions, and his prosperity continued. This story is traditionally shared during Dhanteras and Diwali to highlight devotion, generosity, good conduct, and the importance of welcoming auspiciousness into the home.

What Should You Do and Avoid on Dhanteras?

Things You Can Do

• Clean your home and puja area.
• Worship the deities according to your family tradition.
• Light lamps in the evening.
• Buy useful items within your budget.
• Help people in need through charity.
• Spend time with family and celebrate with devotion.

Things to Avoid

• Avoid unnecessary arguments and harsh behavior.
• Do not spend beyond your financial capacity just because it is a festival.
• Keep the puja area clean and organized.
• Follow the customs of your family and region without assuming that every tradition is universal.

Dhanteras and Diwali: What Is the Connection?

Dhanteras is traditionally regarded as the beginning of the five-day Diwali celebration. The festival period includes Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj.

For 2026, the dates listed in the source article are:

• Dhanteras: November 6
• Chhoti Diwali: November 7
• Diwali: November 8
• Govardhan Puja: November 10
• Bhai Dooj: November 11

Festival dates and observances can vary by regional tradition and Panchang. Check the local calendar before making plans.

For more information about the five-day celebration, read the Dhanteras-to-Bhai-Dooj guide on SanatanJyoti:

Frequently Asked Questions About Dhanteras 2026

1. When is Dhanteras in 2026?

Dhanteras will be observed on Friday, November 6, 2026.

2. Who is worshipped on Dhanteras?

Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kuber, and Lord Ganesha are worshipped in many households, according to family and regional traditions.

3. What is the Dhanteras puja muhurat in 2026?

The source article lists the Vrishabha Lagna muhurat as 7:01 PM to 8:57 PM. Check the local Panchang for your city before performing puja.

4. What is considered auspicious to buy on Dhanteras?

Gold, silver, utensils, jewellery, and useful household items are commonly purchased according to personal needs, budget, and family customs.

5. Why is Lord Dhanvantari worshipped on Dhanteras?

According to religious tradition, Lord Dhanvantari appeared during Samudra Manthan carrying Amrit. He is associated with Ayurveda and medicine, so devotees pray to him for health and well-being.

6. What is Yam Deepdan?

Yam Deepdan is the tradition of lighting a lamp in the name of Yamraj on Dhanteras. It is associated with prayers for the safety and well-being of the family.

7. Is buying gold necessary on Dhanteras?

No. Buying gold is a popular custom, but families can celebrate Dhanteras according to their traditions and financial means. Buying expensive items is not necessary for everyone.

Dhanteras is a festival that brings together traditions associated with health, wealth, cleanliness, charity, and devotion. Worshipping Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Kuber, lighting diyas, helping people in need, and making thoughtful purchases are among the ways families observe this occasion.

Celebrate Dhanteras 2026 with devotion and follow the rituals that are meaningful to your family. For accurate local puja timings, consult a reliable Panchang before beginning the rituals.

Explore more festival dates, puja guidance, and Hindu religious traditions on SanatanJyoti.