Quick answer: Dhanteras 2026 falls on Friday 6 November 2026 in Hyderabad. The puja is performed in the Pradosh Kaal after sunset (about 5:42 PM in Hyderabad); confirm the exact muhurat on Drik Panchang. Naraka Chaturdashi and Diwali are both on Sunday 8 November, Bali Padyami / Govardhan Puja on Tuesday 10 November, and Karthika Masam begins on 10 November. Because 2026 has an extra lunar month, the festival is about three weeks later than last year.

Dhanteras and Diwali week 2026 in Hyderabad

FestivalDate (India)
Dhanteras (Dhantrayodashi)Friday 6 November
Naraka Chaturdashi (morning abhyanga snanam)Sunday 8 November
Deepavali / Lakshmi Puja (evening)Sunday 8 November
Bali Padyami / Govardhan PujaTuesday 10 November
Bhai Dooj (Yama Dwitiya)Wednesday 11 November
Karthika Masam beginsTuesday 10 November

In 2026, Naraka Chaturdashi and Deepavali fall on the same Sunday in India: the early-morning oil bath and fireworks of Naraka Chaturdashi, so loved in Telugu homes, are followed that evening by Lakshmi Puja. See our guides to Naraka Chaturdashi 2026 and Diwali 2026.

Timing: Pradosh Kaal after sunset

Dhanteras puja, lamp lighting and the Yama deepam belong to the Pradosh Kaal, the period that begins at sunset. In Hyderabad the sun sets at about 5:42 PM on Friday 6 November 2026. Many families also prefer the Vrishabha Kaal (a fixed ascendant) within or near the Pradosh Kaal for Lakshmi puja. Check Drik Panchang set to Hyderabad, or ask your purohit, for the exact 2026 muhurat. Shopping is auspicious throughout the Trayodashi day; you do not need to restrict purchases to the puja window.

Advertisement

Significance of Dhanteras

"Dhanteras" combines "dhan" (wealth) and "teras" (the thirteenth lunar day, Trayodashi). During the Samudra Manthan, the churning of the cosmic ocean, Goddess Lakshmi emerged bringing abundance, and Lord Dhanvantari appeared holding the amrit kalash, the pot of nectar, bringing the gift of Ayurveda and health to humanity. Dhanteras therefore honours both wealth and wellbeing.

The legend of King Hima's son

A sixteen-year-old prince was destined to die of a snake bite on the fourth night of his marriage. His wise bride piled her gold ornaments and coins at the door of their chamber, lit lamps all around and kept him awake with songs and stories. When Lord Yama arrived in the form of a serpent, he was dazzled by the brilliance, sat listening through the night and left at dawn without harming the prince. This is why lamps are lit for Yama on Dhanteras and why gold and metal are bought on this day.

Preparing your home

  • Clean the house thoroughly, especially the entrance and puja room.
  • Draw muggulu (rangoli) at the doorstep and hang mango-leaf thoranam and marigold garlands.
  • Draw Lakshmi's footprints with rice flour and kumkum leading into the home.
  • Prepare sweets and festive dishes; many Telugu families make ariselu, laddus or payasam.
  • Arrange diyas, flowers, fruits, incense and pictures or idols of Lakshmi, Ganesha, Kubera and Dhanvantari.

Dhanteras puja vidhi: step by step

  • Snanam and sankalpam: bathe, wear clean clothes and take a resolve for the family's health and prosperity.
  • Ganesha puja: begin by invoking Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles.
  • Kalasha sthapana: place a water-filled kalash with mango leaves and a coconut.
  • Lakshmi puja: offer flowers, kumkum, turmeric, akshata, incense and sweets to Goddess Lakshmi.
  • Kubera puja: invoke Lord Kubera, the treasurer of the gods, for lasting wealth; place new coins or your purchase before him.
  • Dhanvantari puja: pray for the health of every family member.
  • Aarti: perform camphor aarti and sing devotional songs.
  • Prasadam: share sweets and prasadam with the family.

Yama deepam

After sunset, light a four-wick (chaumukhi) lamp at the main entrance facing south, the direction of Yama, praying for protection of the family from untimely death. Some families also place a row of thirteen diyas facing south. Then light diyas throughout the house.

Mantras

  • Lakshmi: "Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah".
  • Kubera: "Om Yakshaya Kuberaya Vaishravanaya Dhana Dhanyadhipataye Dhana Dhanya Samriddhim Me Dehi Dapaya Svaha".
  • Dhanvantari: "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye Amrita Kalasha Hastaya Sarva Amaya Vinashanaya Trailokya Nathaya Shri Mahavishnave Namah".

What to buy on Dhanteras

  • Gold: coins engraved with Lakshmi and Ganesha, or light jewellery pieces.
  • Silver: coins, small utensils, a silver diya or puja items.
  • Brass, copper and steel: kalash, lota, thali or new cookware, symbolising a full and nourished home.
  • New broom: bought in many homes to sweep away poverty.
  • Planned big purchases: many families time an appliance, vehicle or property booking for Dhanteras.

When gold prices are high, gold coins and lighter pieces are a sensible way to keep the tradition. Set a budget before you go.

Where Hyderabad shops

  • Old City: Laad Bazaar near Charminar for bangles and festive items, and the surrounding lanes for jewellery and traditional goods.
  • Sultan Bazaar and Moazzam Jahi Market: busy traditional markets for utensils, puja items, flowers and sweets.
  • Malls and branded showrooms: national and regional jewellery brands across the city, and malls such as Inorbit and GVK One.
  • Online: many jewellers sell coins and jewellery online; buy only from reputable sellers.

Markets are extremely crowded on Dhanteras evening. Shopping earlier in the day or in the days before, using public transport or ride-hailing, and keeping valuables secure will make the outing easier. Any festive offers vary by store, so compare before you buy.

Advertisement

Smart gold buying

  • Buy only BIS-hallmarked jewellery and check the six-digit HUID code on each piece.
  • Verify the HUID with the BIS CARE app.
  • Ask for a proper bill showing weight, purity, gold rate and making charges separately.
  • Compare the day's rate and making charges across stores, and online versus offline.
  • Keep bills and certificates safely for future exchange or resale.

Health and the Dhanvantari connection

Because Dhanteras honours Lord Dhanvantari, the father of Ayurveda, many families use the day to think about health as wealth: a visit to an Ayurvedic vaidya, a fresh commitment to yoga or walking, or simply a prayer for elders' wellbeing.

Dhanteras across Hyderabad's communities

Hyderabad's mix of Telugu, Marwari, Gujarati, Punjabi and other North Indian families gives Dhanteras many flavours. Telugu homes focus on gold, muggulu and sweets and look ahead to the Naraka Chaturdashi oil bath; Marwari and Gujarati traders worship their account books; North Indian families keep Dhanvantari and Yama deepam customs. Visit your local temple for evening darshan and check with it for any 2026 programmes.

Eco-friendly celebrations

  • Use clay diyas made by local potters.
  • Choose natural colours (rice flour, turmeric, kumkum and flowers) for muggulu.
  • Keep firecrackers minimal and follow local rules on timings.
  • Support local artisans and donate to those in need.

Frequently asked questions

When is Dhanteras 2026 in Hyderabad?

Dhanteras 2026 is on Friday 6 November in Hyderabad and across India. Naraka Chaturdashi and Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) are both on Sunday 8 November, Govardhan Puja / Bali Padyami on Tuesday 10 November and Bhai Dooj on Wednesday 11 November.

What time should I perform Dhanteras puja in Hyderabad?

The puja is done in the Pradosh Kaal, which begins at sunset; in Hyderabad the sun sets at about 5:42 PM on 6 November. For the exact muhurat (including the Vrishabha Kaal window), check Drik Panchang set to Hyderabad or ask your family purohit.

Is it necessary to buy gold on Dhanteras?

No. Gold is traditional, but silver, a brass or steel vessel, a new broom or any useful item for the home is equally auspicious. Buy within your means; devotion matters more than price.

Why do we light the Yama deepam on Dhanteras?

The south-facing lamp honours Lord Yama and is lit for the protection of the family from untimely death, recalling the legend of King Hima's son.

Why is Dhanteras later this year?

2026 has an extra lunar month (Adhik Maas), so Dhanteras, Diwali and Karthika Masam all fall about three weeks later in the Gregorian calendar than they did last year.

Editor's note (4 October 2026)

Updated for 2026. Dates follow Drik Panchang for India (Dhanteras Friday 6 November, Diwali Sunday 8 November); the Hyderabad sunset time is for 6 November. We have removed the previous edition's muhurat times, gold and silver prices, market reports and the claim that Dhanteras is National Ayurveda Day (that observance now has a fixed date). Please confirm the 2026 puja muhurat on Drik Panchang or with your purohit.