Dhanteras 2026 Shubh Muhurat: Date, Gold Buying Time & Puja Timings

Dhanteras 2026 on Friday, 6 November - The First Day of Diwali

Dhanteras is also known as Dhantrayodashi because it falls on the thirteenth lunar day of the Hindu calendar. It opens the festive period that continues with Choti Diwali, Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj.

Since the festival follows the lunar calendar, its date changes every year. For many families, this is also the time to complete household preparations, welcome relatives and get ready for the celebrations ahead.

Dhanteras 2026 at a Glance

The Dhanteras 2026 date is Friday, 6 November, when Trayodashi is present during the evening Pradosh Kaal.

Delhi timings are shown here. Other cities have different sunset and puja times. A tithi is a lunar day, which can begin or end midway through an ordinary calendar day. That is why the festival date and tithi dates are not identical.

City-wise Dhanteras Puja Muhurat 2026

The Dhanteras muhurat 2026 differs across Indian cities due to varying sunset times. Check the puja timings for your city to perform Lakshmi-Kuber puja during the auspicious period.

All timings are in IST and reflect the overlap of Pradosh Kaal and Vrishabha Lagna. Follow your household panchang if it is different. If you are travelling for Diwali, use the timings of the city where you will perform the puja. A Delhi muhurat does not automatically apply to an evening in Ahmedabad.

Best Time to Buy Gold on Dhanteras 2026: Shopping Muhurat vs Puja Muhurat

Shopping and puja need not happen together. Trayodashi begins at 10:30 AM on Friday, leaving time to visit a jeweller before evening prayers. The Dhanteras shopping muhurat may include shorter city-specific Choghadiya periods.

• Morning: Shop after Trayodashi begins at 10:30 AM.
• Afternoon: Try jewellery, check bills or collect orders.
• Evening: Leave your city's puja window free for prayers.
• Saturday morning: Trayodashi ends at 10:47 AM on 7 November.

The puja window is not the only gold-buying time. Check your local panchang for specific shopping periods. You can shortlist designs beforehand, then pay or take delivery after Trayodashi begins. A small purchase can carry just as much personal meaning.

Why Pradosh Kaal and Vrishabha Lagna Matter

The Dhanteras puja muhurat usually falls when two periods meet. Pradosh Kaal follows sunset. Vrishabha is a fixed, or Sthir, lagna in Hindu astrology, traditionally linked with lasting prosperity.

• Pradosh Kaal: Early evening, used for Lakshmi-Kuber worship.
• Vrishabha Lagna: A fixed period associated with welcoming Lakshmi.
• Sthir Lagna: Means a stable astrological period.

In Delhi, the overlap is 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM, narrower than Pradosh Kaal.

Does Trayodashi spill on 7 November? Which Day to Shop?

Yes, the Dhanteras gold-buying time extends into Saturday because Trayodashi ends at 10:47 AM on 7 November. The main evening worship is on Friday.

Prefer Friday after 10:30 AM for the traditional shopping day. Saturday morning is still within Trayodashi, but household customs may differ. The whole of Saturday is not considered Dhanteras.

Yama Deepam 2026: When and How to Light the Diya

Some families light a diya for Lord Yama outside their homes. Yama Deepam 2026 falls on Friday, 6 November, during twilight. It is a prayer for family well-being, separate from gold shopping.

• When: During your city's evening Sandhya period.
• What: An earthen diya, oil or ghee, and a cotton wick.
• Where: Outside the entrance, on a stable surface; some families face it south.
• Prayer: Ask for your family's health and safety.

Keep the flame away from decorations, children and pets. If you live in a flat, choose a safe, permitted space and follow your building rules.

Dhanteras Puja Vidhi at Home: Lakshmi-Kuber-Dhanvantari, Step by Step

A simple home observance of Dhantrayodashi 2026 needs a clean space, offerings and your usual family prayers.

• Prepare the Space: Cover a chowki with a clean cloth and arrange the deities' pictures or idols.
• Arrange Offerings: Set out flowers, rice, kumkum, sweets, water and a diya.
• Pray to Ganesh: Begin with Lord Ganesha's blessings.
• Worship Lakshmi and Kuber: Offer flowers and sweets, and pray for prosperity.
• Remember Dhanvantari: Pray for your family's health.
• Perform Aarti: Light the diya, say your usual prayers and share prasad.

You may place new jewellery or coins in the puja space. Customs vary by family. There is no need to copy an elaborate, unfamiliar ceremony. Follow the prayers and traditions your household already knows.

Puja Thali Checklist for Dhanteras

Prepare your puja thali before the evening prayers so you can focus on the rituals without looking for missing items.

• Diya: Cotton wicks, oil or ghee for lighting.
• Offerings: Kumkum, turmeric, akshat (uncooked rice) and fresh flowers.
• Puja Essentials: Incense sticks, water and a small bell.
• Prasad: Fruits and sweets to distribute after the prayers.
• Gold or Silver: New jewellery or coins, if your family follows this tradition.

Keep spare wicks and matches nearby.

Why Dhanteras Is Celebrated

Dhanteras honours Goddess Lakshmi, linked with prosperity, and Lord Kuber, associated with wealth. Tradition says Lakshmi emerged during the churning of the ocean. Families mark the day with prayers, clean homes and purchases of metal items.

The day also honours Dhanvantari, who is believed to have appeared with a pot of amrit and is associated with Ayurveda. It celebrates health as well as prosperity.

What to Buy within the Muhurat: Coins, Lightweight Jewellery, Silver

Choose an item you can afford and will enjoy keeping or wearing.

• Gold Coins: Check purity, weight, price and invoice.
• Lightweight Jewellery: Earrings, pendants or chains are suitable for regular wear.
• Silver Articles: Consider coins, bowls or useful household items.
• Diamond Jewellery: Check the stone details, metal purity and final price.

For gold jewellery, check the BIS hallmark, verify the HUID where applicable and request an invoice showing weight, purity, making charges and taxes. For diamond pieces, ask for the relevant grading or certification details too.

With silver items, check the declared purity and weight as well. Compare the final bill rather than only the displayed price. If the piece is a gift, also ask about exchange conditions.

Shopping Muhurat without the Rush: In-Store Slots, Pre-booking Gold, Buying Online

Jewellery shops can get crowded on Dhanteras. Choose your jewellery in advance, explore pre-booking options or shop online to complete your purchase comfortably during your preferred auspicious shopping time.

• Store Appointment: Check available slots and festival opening hours.
• Pre-booking: Confirm price-lock terms, payment rules and Friday collection.
• Online: Check seller, hallmark, delivery, returns and invoice.
• Time Buffer: Allow for billing and travel before puja.

Agree beforehand on whether the payment or collection should fall within the muhurat. For online orders, keep the payment receipt and order confirmation. Delivery might happen after the festival, so check whether that suits your family tradition.

Conclusion: Make Your Dhanteras Purchase Auspicious and Stress-Free

Dhanteras is a time to welcome prosperity and enjoy traditions with your family. To make the day easier, check your city's puja timings, decide what you want to buy and plan your visit to the jeweller. Whether you choose a gold coin, silver article or a piece of jewellery, stay within your budget. With a little planning, you can shop comfortably and enjoy the celebrations without any rush.

Also Read: Silver on Dhanteras 2026: Coins, Idols, Puja Articles & Jewellery

Also Read: 5 Days of Diwali 2026: Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj

Also Read: Gold Coin vs Gold Jewellery vs Digital Gold on Dhanteras 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is Dhanteras in 2026, and which day of the week is it?

Dhanteras will be celebrated on Friday, 6 November 2026. It marks the beginning of Diwali festivities, with prayers and traditional gold or silver purchases.

2. What is the Dhanteras 2026 puja muhurat for my city?

On 6 November, the puja timings are Delhi 6:02–7:57 PM, Mumbai 6:35–8:35 PM, Kolkata 5:28–7:26 PM and Bengaluru 6:25–8:20 PM, all in IST.

3. What is the best time to buy gold: morning, afternoon or evening?

Gold can be purchased after Trayodashi begins at 10:30 AM on 6 November. Afternoon shopping is convenient, while evening is preferred for puja.

4. Can I buy gold on 7 November if Trayodashi continues?

Yes, you can buy gold on Saturday, 7 November, before Trayodashi ends at 10:47 AM. However, the main Dhanteras celebration is Friday.

5. What are pradosh kaal and vrishabha kaal?

Pradosh Kaal is the period after sunset, while Vrishabha Kaal is a fixed astrological period. Their overlap is considered auspicious for Lakshmi-Kuber puja.

6. What is Yama Deepam and when should I light it?

Yama Deepam is a traditional diya that is lit in honour of Lord Yama. Light it outside your home around dusk on 6 November 2026.

7. How do I perform Lakshmi-Kuber puja at home?

Clean the puja area, arrange deity pictures and offerings, pray to Ganesh, Lakshmi, Kuber and Dhanvantari, then perform aarti and distribute prasad.

8. What goes on the Dhanteras puja thali?

Your Dhanteras puja thali should contain a diya, cotton wicks, flowers, kumkum, turmeric, rice, incense, water and sweets for offering as prasad.

9. Can I pre-book gold before Dhanteras and collect it that day?

Yes, you can pre-book jewellery before Dhanteras and collect it on 6 November. Confirm the price, payment terms and collection timing with the jeweller.

10. Can I buy jewellery online during the muhurat?

Yes, order during your preferred window after checking authenticity, delivery, returns and the bill. Families may differ on whether order placement or physical delivery matters.