Dhanteras 2026: Puja Muhurat, Significance & Auspicious Buys

Buying gold or silver on Dhanteras has been a tradition for generations. But today, the choices go beyond jewellery and coins to digital gold, Gold ETFs and other investment options.

Dhanteras 2026 falls on Friday, November 6.

Here’s what you need to know about the auspicious timings, rituals, significance and buying traditions.

What Is Dhanteras?

Dhanteras, also known broadly as Dhantrayodashi or ধনতেরাস in eastern regions, marks the official start of the five-day Diwali festival.

The term Dhanteras comes from Dhan (wealth) and Teras (thirteenth day). It falls on the Trayodashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik, as per the Hindu calendar. The day signifies prosperity, new beginnings, and the worship of wealth and wellness.

When Is Dhanteras in 2026?

Dhanteras 2026 will be celebrated on Friday, November 6, 2026. The highly auspicious Trayodashi Tithi officially begins at 10:30 AM on November 6 and concludes at 10:47 AM on Saturday, November 7, 2026.

Here are the key dates and timings for Dhantrayodashi 2026:

City-Wise Dhanteras 2026 Muhurat

Here are the Dhanteras 2026 timings for major Indian cities:

Why Is Dhanteras Celebrated?

Dhanteras is celebrated to welcome health, wealth and prosperity.

• Lord Dhanvantari: According to Hindu mythology, Lord Dhanvantari emerged during the Samudra Manthan carrying Amrit (nectar of immortality). Thus, symbolising health and longevity.
• Goddess Lakshmi: Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, who represents wealth, good fortune and prosperity.
• Lord Kubera: Worshipped as the god of wealth and treasurer of the gods, Lord Kubera symbolises financial well-being.
• Yama Deepam: Families traditionally light a diya outside their homes, a ritual believed to offer protection against untimely death.

What Are the 5 Days of Diwali in 2026?

What to Buy on Dhanteras 2026

On Dhanteras, people traditionally buy gold, silver, utensils and other auspicious items.

Today, purchases may also include digital gold, Gold ETFs, vehicles and household appliances, depending on family traditions and preferences.

1. Gold & Silver

Buying gold and silver on Dhanteras is considered auspicious in many Indian households. Gold jewellery, coins and bars are common choices, while silver coins and utensils are often purchased for Lakshmi Puja or everyday use.

2. Digital Gold

Digital gold enables the purchase of 24K gold online in small amounts without concerns about storage or purity. Each unit is backed by physical gold held in secure vaults. Buyers can later redeem it as coins or bars. The format combines accessibility with authenticity.

3. Gold ETFs & Sovereign Gold Bonds

• Gold ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds): Gold ETFs track domestic gold prices and allow investors to buy or sell units through stock exchanges using a demat account. Under 2026 tax regulations, long-term capital gains on Gold ETFs are subject to a 12.5% tax rate.
• Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs): These government-issued bonds offer 2.5% annual interest on the original issue price, along with returns linked to gold prices.

As fresh issuances have been discontinued, investors can purchase existing SGBs on stock exchanges, subject to availability and trading volumes.

4. Stocks & Mutual Funds

Allocating your capital into equities or Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) during Dhanteras is a common method to mark the financial new year.

Stock exchanges (NSE and BSE) host a symbolic one-hour trading session on muhurat trading. This session allows investors to execute orders outside standard market hours.

Explore Diwali Muhurat Trading 2026 to view exact stock exchange timings, historical trends, and more.

5. Traditional Auspicious Purchases

• Utensils: Brass, copper and steel utensils are traditionally associated with nourishment and well-being.
• Broom (Jhadu): Considered auspicious in some households as a symbol of cleanliness and the removal of negativity.
• Lakshmi-Ganesha Idols: Commonly purchased for Diwali puja to seek blessings for prosperity and wisdom.
• Puja Essentials: Diyas, coriander seeds and other worship items are popular purchases for festive rituals.

What Should You Avoid Buying on Dhanteras?

According to certain traditional beliefs, people avoid purchasing sharp objects, iron items, glassware and black-coloured products on Dhanteras. However, these customs vary by region and family and are not mandatory rules.

Final Thought

Dhanteras 2026 : FAQs