Dhanteras is one of the most auspicious festivals of the five-day Diwali celebration. Also known as Dhantrayodashi, the festival is dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera. Devotees worship these deities to seek good health, wealth, prosperity and happiness for their families.
In 2026, Dhanteras will be celebrated on Friday, November 6. On this day, people traditionally purchase gold, silver, utensils and other auspicious items. Evening worship is also an important part of the festival, along with the ritual of lighting a lamp for Lord Yama, known as Yam Deepdan.
Here is the complete guide to Dhanteras 2026, including the puja muhurat, required materials and step-by-step worship procedure.
Dhanteras 2026 Date and Puja Muhurat
Dhanteras falls on the Trayodashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik. The festival is associated with wealth, health and prosperity.
According to the TV9 report, the auspicious timings for Dhanteras evening worship in 2026 are:
- Dhanteras Date: November 6, 2026, Friday
- Lakshmi-Kuber-Dhanvantari Puja Muhurat: 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour 56 minutes
- Pradosh Kaal: 5:33 PM to 8:09 PM
Devotees are traditionally advised to perform the evening puja during the auspicious muhurat. Timings may vary depending on the location, so checking the local Panchang is recommended.
Why Is Dhanteras Celebrated?
Dhanteras is associated with Lord Dhanvantari, who is worshipped as the deity of Ayurveda and health. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the ocean during Samudra Manthan carrying a pot of Amrit, the divine nectar of immortality.
Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped as the deity of wealth and prosperity, while Lord Kubera is regarded as the guardian of wealth.
Therefore, devotees worship all three deities on Dhanteras and pray for good health, financial stability and abundance.
Dhanteras 2026 Puja Samagri: What Do You Need?
Before beginning the puja, arrange all the necessary worship materials. Here is a list of commonly used items:
- Idols or pictures of Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera
- Wooden platform (chowki)
- Red or yellow cloth
- Gangajal
- Kalawa (sacred thread)
- Roli, kumkum and turmeric
- Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
- Ghee and oil lamps
- Incense sticks and dhoop
- Flowers and garlands
- Fruits and sweets
- Panchamrit made with milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar
- Silver coin
- Coriander seeds
- Kamal Gatta (lotus seeds)
- Turmeric roots
Keep the puja materials organised before the auspicious time so that the rituals can be performed without interruption.
Dhanteras 2026: Step-by-Step Puja Vidhi
The evening puja on Dhanteras is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera and Lord Dhanvantari. Follow these traditional steps to perform the worship at home.
1. Clean the House and Puja Area
Begin by cleaning the house and the place where the puja will be performed. Keep the worship area neat and decorate it with flowers and diyas.
2. Establish the Puja Chowki
Place a wooden chowki in the puja area and cover it with a red or yellow cloth. Arrange the idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera and Lord Dhanvantari on it.
Keep a kalash filled with water in front of the deities.
3. Take a Sankalp
Sit comfortably before the deities and take a sankalp to perform the Dhanteras puja with devotion. You can hold water or flowers in your hands while making the prayer.
4. Worship Lord Ganesha First
Begin the puja by remembering and worshipping Lord Ganesha. In Hindu tradition, Lord Ganesha is worshipped before other deities for the removal of obstacles and the successful completion of religious rituals.
5. Perform Abhishek
Offer Panchamrit to Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera, followed by pure water. Offer kalawa as a sacred cloth or thread and perform the rituals according to your family tradition.
6. Offer Flowers, Akshat and Tilak
Apply roli, kumkum, turmeric, sandalwood or Ashtagandha to the deities. Offer flowers, garlands, perfume, incense and a lighted diya.
7. Chant the Mantras
Devotees can chant the mantras dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera and Lord Dhanvantari. The TV9 report recommends chanting the respective mantras 108 times.
8. Offer Bhog and Perform Aarti
Offer fruits and sweets to the deities. Conclude the puja by performing the aarti with devotion and praying for the health, happiness and prosperity of the family.
Yam Deepdan on Dhanteras: Why Is a Lamp Lit for Lord Yama?
One of the important traditions of Dhanteras is Yam Deepdan, also known as Yama Deepam.
According to religious belief, lighting a lamp in the name of Lord Yama on Dhanteras is associated with protection from untimely death.
The lamp is traditionally placed near the main entrance of the house, close to the Tulsi plant or in the southern direction. It is lit during Pradosh Kaal, with the worshipper facing south while offering the lamp to Lord Yama.
Some families also follow the tradition of lighting 13 diyas on Dhanteras.
What Should You Buy on Dhanteras 2026?
Shopping is an important part of Dhanteras celebrations. People believe that bringing auspicious items home on this day symbolises prosperity and good fortune.
Some commonly purchased items include:
- Gold jewellery and silver coins
- Brass, copper and steel utensils
- Idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha
- A new broom
- Coriander seeds
- New vehicles, including cars, bikes and scooters
The choice of purchase can depend on personal preference, family traditions and budget.
What Should You Avoid Buying on Dhanteras?
According to certain traditional beliefs mentioned in the TV9 report, people avoid purchasing the following items on Dhanteras:
- Iron objects
- Black-coloured items
- Glass articles
- Oil and ghee
These are customary beliefs and practices, and traditions may differ between families and regions.
Conclusion
Dhanteras 2026 will be celebrated on November 6, Friday. The festival is an occasion to worship Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera and pray for health, wealth and prosperity.
The evening puja, followed by Yam Deepdan, holds special significance in the traditional celebration. Along with shopping for auspicious items, devotees prepare their homes, light diyas and welcome the festive season with faith and devotion.
Dhanteras reminds us that good health, happiness and prosperity are all important blessings in life.
Editorial Review Note
Written by Religion World — Bhavya Srivastava is the founder of Religion World and a veteran journalist with over 18 years of experience across broadcast, print, and digital media. A founding member of the International Association of Religion Journalists (IARJ), he has spent much of his career reporting on and producing content about religion, faith, and spirituality. View full profile →.
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