Dhanteras 2026: Puja Time, What to Buy and What to Wear

QUICK ANSWER Dhanteras 2026 falls on Friday, 6 November. In Delhi, the puja muhurat is around 6:03 PM to 7:59 PM, within the Pradosh window of 5:32 PM to 8:09 PM. Trayodashi tithi runs from 10:31 AM on 6 November to 10:48 AM on 7 November, the traditional window to buy gold, silver and new utensils.

 

The first Dhanteras I remember clearly, my mother took me to Dariba Kalan in Chandni Chowk. The lane was packed. Every shop glowed. She bought one small silver coin with Lakshmi and Ganesh on it, wrapped it in red cloth, and put it in her puja box. It's still there, thirty years later.

That's what Dhanteras is about for most of us. Not a big shopping spree, but one small, lucky thing brought home at the right time.

After twenty years of writing about festive dressing, I also know Dhanteras as the day the Diwali mood truly begins. The lights go up, the markets fill, and everyone starts to dress up a little more. This guide covers the 2026 date and timings, the stories behind the day, what to buy, and what to wear for both the shopping and the puja.

Dhanteras falls on Friday, 6 November 2026. It's the first day of the five-day Diwali festival.

What	Date and time (Delhi)
Trayodashi tithi begins	6 November, 10:31 AM
Pradosh kaal	6 November, 5:32 PM to 8:09 PM
Dhanteras puja muhurat	6 November, around 6:03 PM to 7:59 PM
Trayodashi tithi ends	7 November, 10:48 AM
Diwali, Lakshmi Puja	Sunday, 8 November

 

The full Diwali week in 2026 looks like this: Dhanteras on 6 November, Chhoti Diwali on 7 November, Diwali on 8 November, Govardhan Puja on 10 November and Bhai Dooj on 11 November.

Two stories are told about Dhanteras, and both explain why we buy metal and light lamps.

Lord Dhanvantari. During the churning of the ocean, Samudra Manthan, Lord Dhanvantari rose from the waters holding a pot of amrit, the nectar of life. He's the physician of the gods and is linked with Ayurveda. That's why Dhanteras is also called Dhanvantari Jayanti. From 2016 to 2024, India marked National Ayurveda Day on Dhanteras. Since 2025, it has moved to a fixed date, 23 September.

King Hima's son. A prophecy said a young prince would die of a snakebite on the fourth night of his marriage. His wife refused to let it happen. She lit lamps all around the room, piled her gold and silver at the door, and kept him awake with songs and stories. When Yama came as a serpent, the shine of the metal dazzled him. He sat on the heap all night listening, and left at dawn without taking the prince.

That's the folk root of buying gold and lighting lamps on Dhanteras.

Lakshmi and Kuber puja

In the evening, families worship Maa Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Many also worship Lord Kuber, the treasurer of the gods, and Lord Dhanvantari for good health.

Yama Deepdaan

A lamp is lit at the threshold, facing south, the direction of Lord Yama. It's a prayer to keep untimely death away from the family. Some homes light one four-wick diya. Others light several small ones.

Rangoli and Lakshmi's footprints

Homes are cleaned, and a rangoli is made at the door. Many families draw small footprints with rice flour and kumkum, walking into the house, as if Maa Lakshmi is stepping in.

The first diyas of Diwali

In many homes, the first rows of diyas are lit on Dhanteras night.

Here's what most families buy, and why.

Item	Why people buy it
Gold	Wealth, security and good fortune
Silver coins with Lakshmi and Ganesh	A small, lucky keepsake for the puja box
Brass or steel utensils	A new vessel for a full kitchen
A broom	Linked with Lakshmi and sweeping out poverty
Whole coriander seeds	Offered to Lakshmi, then kept with valuables or sown
A new account book	Traders start fresh books for the new year
Electronics, cars, appliances	A modern take on bringing home something new

 

A tip on timing: many families prefer to buy within Trayodashi tithi. In 2026, that runs from 10:31 AM on 6 November to 10:48 AM on 7 November.

Some families believe you shouldn't buy iron, sharp objects like knives and scissors, glass, black items or empty vessels on Dhanteras. Others fill any new vessel with water or grain before bringing it home.

These are beliefs, not rules, and they vary a lot from family to family. Plenty of homes buy steel utensils on this day without a second thought. Follow what your family does.

If you're in Delhi, these are the busiest Dhanteras markets.

·         Dariba Kalan, Chandni Chowk: the old silver lane

·         Karol Bagh: gold jewellery and bullion shops

·         Lajpat Nagar and South Extension: jewellers and festive shopping

·         Your neighbourhood bartan shop: for brass and steel

Go early in the day if you can. By evening, every market is crowded.

Dhanteras is two occasions in one day. There's the shopping in the daytime, and the puja in the evening. Here's how I plan both.

For a day of shopping

You'll be in crowded markets, walking a lot and trying on jewellery. Wear something light, easy and pretty, with a dupatta that won't snag.

FROM THE ROOP VATIKA BY RAJ ARORA COLLECTION Sitara Jaal Anarkali Set Rs. 26,500 A gold ivory Chanderi anarkali with churidar and dupatta, worked in zari, resham, beads, marbles and sequins. Light, festive and easy to walk in. View this piece

 

Style it: Keep your neck bare so you can try on necklaces. Small studs and comfortable juttis.

For the Dhanteras puja

In the evening, change into something with a little gold. Gold and yellow are the colours of Maa Lakshmi.

FROM THE ROOP VATIKA BY RAJ ARORA COLLECTION Golden Glow Anarkali Rs. 64,900 A lemon yellow Asam silk anarkali with aari dori, crystal, cutdana, sequins and Swarovski. It glows softly in diya light. View this piece

 

FROM THE ROOP VATIKA BY RAJ ARORA COLLECTION The Jodpuria Set Rs. 42,900 A gold georgette anarkali with churidar, finished in zari and crystal. Rich but light, it's easy to sit in for the puja. View this piece

 

The grand gold look

If your family hosts a big Dhanteras puja, or you're heading to a party that night, go grand.

FROM THE ROOP VATIKA BY RAJ ARORA COLLECTION Swarnlekha Lehenga Set Rs. 89,900 A beige gold pure silk and net lehenga with mirror, sequins, cutdana, pearl and pipe work. It's an heirloom piece, the kind of gold that never goes out of style. View this piece

 

FROM THE ROOP VATIKA BY RAJ ARORA COLLECTION Zarqa Anarkali Suit Rs. 76,500 A beige gold pure silk and net anarkali with mirror, cutdana, sequins, pearl and pipes. For women who prefer an anarkali to a lehenga. View this piece

 

The gold drape

For a modern look, a gold drape saree is quick to wear and photographs beautifully.

FROM THE ROOP VATIKA BY RAJ ARORA COLLECTION Kanakshree Drape Saree Rs. 34,500 A gold diamond lycra and net drape with pearl, sequins, cutdana, stone and crystal work, and a 3D leaf detail. Shine without fuss. View this piece

 

The easy gold sharara

A gold sharara is a smart choice if you'll go from puja to a card party.

FROM THE ROOP VATIKA BY RAJ ARORA COLLECTION Gold Dust Sharara Set Rs. 31,900 A gold georgette sharara set with cutdana, pearl and sequins. Light, flowing and ready for a long evening. View this piece

 

Colour	Why it's chosen
Gold	Wealth and prosperity, the heart of Dhanteras
Yellow	Linked with Maa Lakshmi and good fortune
Red	Love, luck and celebration
Green	Growth and new beginnings
Ivory	Calm and purity, lovely with gold jewellery

 

Many families avoid black on Dhanteras. That's a belief rather than a rule.

Dhanteras markets in Delhi are among the busiest places in India for a few hours. A few tips from many years of braving them:

·         Wear flat, comfortable shoes. You'll walk more than you think.

·         Keep jewellery minimal while you're out. Wear your new pieces home instead.

·         Use a crossbody bag that zips shut.

·         Pick a short dupatta, or pin a long one across your body.

·         Choose a fabric that doesn't crush, like georgette, so you still look fresh for the evening puja.

Dhanteras starts a five-day run of dressing up. Plan your outfits together so they don't clash or repeat too soon.

1.       Dhanteras: gold or yellow, light and festive.

2.      Chhoti Diwali: something easy for a busy day of guests.

3.      Diwali: your richest look of the week.

4.      Govardhan Puja: a simple, traditional suit.

5.      Bhai Dooj: a soft, pretty outfit.

The gold sharara you wear on Dhanteras can return on Bhai Dooj with pearls and a fresh dupatta.

Every Roop Vatika piece is made to order, and online orders take about three to four weeks to arrive. For Dhanteras on 6 November, order by mid-October to be safe. If you're short on time, visit our Delhi stores to try pieces and ask what can be ready in time.

You don't need a big setup. Here's a simple way to do it.

6.      Clean the puja space in the morning. Many families clean the whole house.

7.      Make a rangoli at the door. Draw small footprints walking in.

8.      Place a red cloth on a low table.

9.      Set out images of Maa Lakshmi, Lord Ganesh and Lord Kuber. Add Lord Dhanvantari if you like.

10.  Put your new purchase on the table. A coin, a utensil or a piece of jewellery.

11.    Light diyas in the Pradosh window, after sunset.

12.   Offer flowers, sweets and whole coriander seeds.

13.   Light the Yama diya at the door, facing south.

14.   Do the aarti and share the prasad.

The whole puja takes about thirty minutes. Keep your outfit easy to sit in, with a dupatta you can pin.

Many of us buy jewellery on Dhanteras and then save it for Diwali. Here's how to wear it well.

·         A new necklace looks best with a simple neckline. Choose a round or boat neck.

·         New earrings shine with your hair in a bun.

·         New bangles look lovely with three-quarter sleeves.

·         A gold coin can go into your puja box. Keep it there all year.

Wear one new piece at a time. It gets the attention it deserves.

·         Clean the house the day before

·         Plan your shopping list and budget

·         Shop early in the day

·         Rangoli and footprints at the door

·         Diyas ready for the evening

·         Yama diya for the threshold

·         Whole coriander seeds for the puja

·         Outfit for the evening puja, pressed and ready

Men in the family usually keep it simple. A kurta with churidar or pyjama for the puja. A Nehru jacket if there's a family gathering. Gold, cream and maroon kurtas look right for the day. For the shopping trip, smart casual is fine.

When is Dhanteras in 2026?

Dhanteras 2026 is on Friday, 6 November. It's the first day of the five-day Diwali festival. Diwali, or Lakshmi Puja, follows on Sunday, 8 November.

What is the Dhanteras puja muhurat in 2026?

In Delhi, the Dhanteras puja muhurat on 6 November 2026 is around 6:03 PM to 7:59 PM, within the Pradosh kaal of 5:32 PM to 8:09 PM. Timings vary by city, so check your local panchang.

What is the best time to buy gold on Dhanteras 2026?

Many families prefer to buy gold within Trayodashi tithi. On Dhanteras 2026, Trayodashi runs from 10:31 AM on 6 November to 10:48 AM on 7 November, Delhi time.

What should you buy on Dhanteras?

On Dhanteras, people traditionally buy gold, silver coins, brass or steel utensils, a broom and whole coriander seeds. Many also buy electronics, vehicles or appliances as a modern way of bringing home something new.

What colour should I wear on Dhanteras?

Gold and yellow are the most popular colours for Dhanteras, as they're linked with Maa Lakshmi and prosperity. Red, green and ivory are also good choices. Many families avoid black on this day.

Why is a lamp lit facing south on Dhanteras?

The south-facing lamp on Dhanteras is called Yama Deepdaan. It's lit at the threshold for Lord Yama, whose direction is south, as a prayer to protect the family from untimely death.

Roop Vatika by Raj Arora has dressed Delhi for its festivals since 1993. If you'd like to start your Diwali week in gold, our stylists would love to help.

·         Explore our cocktail edit, suits and lehengas.

·         Book an appointment at our stores in Old Rajinder Nagar, Rajouri Garden or Chhatarpur, Delhi.

·         Message us on WhatsApp at +91 85955 21162 for a video consultation.

Wishing you a bright and blessed Dhanteras.