Dhanteras 2026: Celebrate Wealth, Health and Prosperity on 6 November
Dhanteras 2026 is on Friday 6 November, launching Diwali with worship of Goddess Lakshmi, Kubera and Lord Dhanvantari for prosperity, health and well-being.
Dhanteras 2026 is on Friday 6 November, launching Diwali with worship of Goddess Lakshmi, Kubera and Lord Dhanvantari for prosperity, health and well-being.
Quick answer: Dhanteras 2026 falls on Friday 6 November, the first day of the 5-day Diwali festival. Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera and Lord Dhanvantari, buy gold, silver and new utensils, light lamps and pray for wealth, health and family prosperity.
Dhanteras 2026 falls on Friday 6 November, marking the joyful start of the 5-day Diwali festival. Also called Dhanatrayodashi, this day blends the pursuit of prosperity with a deep prayer for good health, honouring both Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician who emerged during the churning of the cosmic ocean.
When is Dhanteras 2026?
Dhanteras is observed on the Trayodashi (13th day) of the waning moon in the month of Kartik. In 2026 this falls on Friday 6 November. It opens the Diwali sequence that continues through Naraka Chaturdasi, the main Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj.
- FestivalDhanteras (Dhanatrayodashi)
- Date 2026Friday 6 November 2026
- MarksFirst day of Diwali
- Main deitiesLakshmi, Kubera, Dhanvantari
- RegionCelebrated across India and the diaspora
The Diwali 2026 Calendar
Dhanteras is the opening chapter of a five-day celebration of light. Knowing the full sequence helps families plan cleaning, shopping, cooking and puja in advance.
| Day | Festival | Date 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Dhanteras | Friday 6 November |
| Day 2 | Naraka Chaturdasi / Choti Diwali | Saturday 7 November |
| Day 3 | Diwali / Lakshmi Puja | Sunday 8 November |
| Day 4 | Govardhan Puja / Annakut | Monday 9 November |
| Day 5 | Bhai Dooj | Tuesday 10 November |
The Significance of Dhanteras
The word Dhanteras joins dhan (wealth) with teras (the thirteenth lunar day). Yet the festival celebrates more than money. It reveres wealth in its fullest sense: material abundance, radiant health, family harmony and spiritual richness. On this day devotees invite Goddess Lakshmi into a clean, lamp-lit home and pray that prosperity stays through the year.
Lord Dhanvantari and the Prayer for Health
Dhanteras is also Dhanvantari Trayodashi. According to tradition, Lord Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods and originator of Ayurveda, rose from the churning of the ocean holding a pot of amrita, the nectar of immortality. Worshipping him on this day is a reminder that true wealth begins with well-being, and many honour the day as a festival dedicated to health and healing.
Traditions and Rituals of Dhanteras
Homes are cleaned and decorated well before the festival so that Lakshmi finds a welcoming space. In the evening families perform simple, heartfelt rituals to invoke prosperity and protection.
- Clean and declutter the home, then draw rangoli and small footprints at the entrance to welcome Lakshmi
- Light diyas and place a lamp near the main door and the tulsi plant
- Perform Lakshmi and Kubera puja with flowers, incense, sweets and offerings
- Offer prayers to Lord Dhanvantari for the health of the family
- Keep newly bought items or coins in the puja space as a symbol of incoming prosperity
Simple Evening Puja Steps
- Bathe and wear clean clothes, then clean the puja area
- Place images or idols of Lakshmi, Ganesha and Kubera on a decorated platform
- Light a lamp with pure ghee or oil and offer incense, flowers and sweets
- Recite well-known Lakshmi mantras or the simple Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah with devotion
- Offer a short prayer to Lord Dhanvantari for good health, then distribute prasad to the family
Auspicious Shopping on Dhanteras
Buying something new on Dhanteras is believed to invite good fortune. Gold, silver and metal purchases are especially favoured, symbolising that wealth is entering the household. Even a modest purchase, made with gratitude, carries the same auspicious intent as a grand one.
- Gold and silver coins, jewellery or small ingots
- New brass, copper, silver or steel utensils and kitchenware
- Brooms, symbolising the sweeping away of poverty and negativity
- Lamps, diyas and puja items for the days ahead
- Electronics, vehicles or home essentials, as budgets allow
Regional and Diaspora Celebrations
Across India and among Hindu communities worldwide, Dhanteras is observed with local variations, from grand temple pujas to quiet family rituals. Traders and business owners often begin new account books and seek Lakshmi's blessings for the year ahead. For exact 2026 puja timings, community events and temple programmes, check announcements from your local temple or community organisation.
Tips for a Meaningful Dhanteras 2026
- Prepare early so the home is clean and calm before 6 November
- Focus on intention over expense; a heartfelt lamp matters more than a large purchase
- Include a prayer for health, honouring the spirit of Lord Dhanvantari
- Share sweets and light with neighbours and those in need
- Use energy-safe diyas and supervise open flames around children
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Dhanteras in 2026?
Dhanteras 2026 falls on Friday 6 November. It is the first day of the 5-day Diwali festival and is observed on the Trayodashi of Kartik month.
Why is Dhanteras celebrated?
Dhanteras celebrates wealth, health and prosperity. Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera for abundance, and Lord Dhanvantari for good health and healing.
Who is Lord Dhanvantari?
Lord Dhanvantari is the divine physician and originator of Ayurveda who, according to tradition, emerged from the churning of the ocean holding the pot of amrita, the nectar of immortality.
What should you buy on Dhanteras?
Gold, silver, coins and new metal utensils are considered especially auspicious. Many also buy brooms and puja items. Even a small purchase made with gratitude is believed to invite good fortune.
What puja is performed on Dhanteras?
Families perform Lakshmi and Kubera puja in the evening with lamps, flowers, incense and sweets, and offer prayers to Lord Dhanvantari for the health of the household.
Which mantra is recited on Dhanteras?
Devotees commonly recite well-known Lakshmi mantras such as Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah, chanted with devotion while lighting lamps during the evening puja.
How does Dhanteras connect to Diwali?
Dhanteras opens the 5-day Diwali festival. It is followed by Naraka Chaturdasi on 7 November, the main Lakshmi Puja on 8 November, Govardhan Puja on 9 November and Bhai Dooj on 10 November 2026.
How can I celebrate Dhanteras at home?
Clean and decorate your home, draw rangoli, light diyas, perform a simple Lakshmi puja, buy something new if you can, pray for health and share sweets with family and neighbours.
