Amid the preparations for Diwali, Dhanteras arrives on the Trayodashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik. This sacred festival is dedicated to the worship of Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Kubera. In the Sanatan tradition, Dhanteras is considered an auspicious occasion not only for purchasing gold, silver, or new utensils but also for praying for good health, happiness, prosperity, and a blessed life.
On this auspicious day, devotees light diyas in their homes, worship Lord Dhanvantari, and pray to Goddess Lakshmi for lasting happiness, peace, and prosperity in their families.
In 2026, Dhanteras will be celebrated on Friday, November 6.
| Event Details | Date and Time |
|---|---|
| Trayodashi Tithi Begins | November 6 at 10:30 AM |
| Trayodashi Tithi Ends | November 7 at 10:47 AM |
| Auspicious Puja Muhurat | 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM |
These timings are based on calculations from the Drik Panchang. The exact muhurat may vary from city to city depending on local sunrise, sunset, and regional Panchang calculations. Therefore, devotees should check the timings according to their local Panchang before performing the puja.
| City | Dhanteras Puja Muhurat |
|---|---|
| New Delhi | 6:02 PM – 7:58 PM |
| Mumbai | 6:35 PM – 8:34 PM |
| Jaipur | 6:11 PM – 8:07 PM |
| Udaipur | 6:23 PM – 8:21 PM |
| Ahmedabad | 6:30 PM – 8:28 PM |
| Bengaluru | 6:26 PM – 8:20 PM |
| Chennai | 6:15 PM – 8:09 PM |
| Kolkata | 5:28 PM – 7:26 PM |
| Hyderabad | 6:16 PM – 8:13 PM |
| Pune | 6:32 PM – 8:31 PM |
| Lucknow | 5:51 PM – 7:47 PM |
| Chandigarh | 6:00 PM – 7:55 PM |
The religious significance of Dhanteras is associated with the mythological story of the Samudra Manthan, during which Lord Dhanvantari emerged carrying a pot of amrit, the divine nectar of immortality. Lord Dhanvantari is regarded as the originator of Ayurveda and the divine physician of the gods. Devotees worship him to pray for good health, longevity, and freedom from illness.
The worship of Goddess Lakshmi also holds special significance on Dhanteras. She is revered as the goddess of wealth, prosperity, good fortune, and abundance. Lord Kubera, meanwhile, is regarded as the treasurer of the gods and the guardian of wealth. By worshipping these three divine figures, devotees pray for their homes to be blessed not only with material prosperity but also with righteousness, good health, and wisdom.
Lord Dhanvantari is considered a divine manifestation of Lord Vishnu. The pot of amrit held in his hands symbolizes the continuity of life, good health, and well-being. On Dhanteras, devotees remember Lord Dhanvantari and pray for the good health of themselves and their families. The occasion is also associated with expressing gratitude for Ayurveda, medicines, and the healing forces that support human well-being.
While worshipping Lord Dhanvantari, devotees may chant the following popular mantra:
Om Namo Bhagavate Mahasudarshanaya Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye.
Amritakalasha Hastaya Sarvabhaya Vinashaya Sarvaroga Nivaranaya.
Trailokyanathaya Shri Mahavishnave Namah.
Through this mantra, devotees offer their prayers to Lord Dhanvantari and seek blessings for health, peace, and well-being in their families.
In the evening, clean the home temple and place idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera, and Lord Dhanvantari. Perform the puja with devotion by offering diyas, incense, flowers, unbroken rice grains, roli, and naivedya.
While worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, chant the mantra:
Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah.
A commonly recited mantra for the worship of Lord Kubera is:
Om Yakshaya Kuberaya Vaishravanaya Dhanadhanyadhipataye.
Dhanadhanya Samriddhim Me Dehi Dapaya Swaha.
During the puja, devotees should remember that prosperity is best used not only for personal and family well-being but also for righteous deeds and helping those in need.
Purchasing gold, silver, new utensils, and other useful items on Dhanteras is considered auspicious. According to popular belief, items purchased on this day symbolize prosperity and good fortune for the household. Many families follow their traditions by buying jewelry, metal utensils, coins, and puja materials on this occasion.
For shopping, devotees may consider the auspicious Choghadiya timings and the muhurat mentioned in their local Panchang. Those planning to purchase gold or silver should check the Dhanteras shopping muhurat for their city, as the timings may vary across locations.
Shopping on this day is part of a religious and cultural tradition, but purchasing anything is not compulsory. It is best to shop according to your needs and financial means. The true joy of the festival lies in devotion, contentment, and spending meaningful time with family.
Certain folk beliefs advise against purchasing specific items on Dhanteras. The following are traditionally considered inauspicious by some communities:
These are traditional beliefs, and practices may vary across regions and families.
Light diyas in the evening on Dhanteras and place them near the main entrance of your home and in the place of worship. The tradition of Yama Deep Daan is also observed on this day. According to popular belief, lighting a diya outside the home facing south is a way to pray to Lord Yama for the protection and longevity of family members.
Deep Daan is a ritual associated with hope, auspiciousness, and well-being. As families prepare to welcome Diwali, the glowing diyas & lights are illuminate their homes and courtyards while bringing loved ones together.
Dhanteras is a sacred occasion to worship Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Kubera. Perform the puja with devotion, light lamps in your home, and follow shopping traditions according to your means. Also, resolve to give importance to good health, righteous conduct, contentment, and service to others.
Let us light the lamp of devotion and compassion in our hearts as well as our homes this Dhanteras. May Lord Dhanvantari bless everyone with good health, may Goddess Lakshmi bring happiness and prosperity to every family, and may Lord Kubera bless us with abundance accompanied by wisdom and good judgement.
Q: When is Dhanteras in 2026?
A: Dhanteras will be celebrated on November 6, 2026.
Q: Which deities are worshipped on Dhanteras?
A: Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Kubera are primarily worshipped on this day.
Q: What is considered auspicious to buy on Dhanteras?
A: Buying gold, silver, new utensils, idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, and a broom is a popular tradition. Purchases should be made according to one’s needs and financial means.
Q: Why is Yama Deep Daan performed on Dhanteras?
A: Yama Deep Daan is a traditional ritual performed to pray for family protection, longevity, and freedom from the fear of untimely death.
Q: Why is Lord Dhanvantari worshipped on Dhanteras?
A: Lord Dhanvantari is regarded as the divine embodiment of Ayurveda and good health. Devotees worship him to pray for well-being, good health, and the welfare of their families.
Rama Ekadashi is regarded as an Ekadashi that helps in overcoming sins and brings spiritual merit. Worshipping Lord Vishnu, chanting the name of Hari, observing a fast, making donations, and performing acts of service are considered especially meaningful on this day.
Diwali, the festival of lights, brings a message of renewed hope, prosperity, and new beginnings. It is a sacred occasion to illuminate our inner selves, follow the path of good deeds, and embrace righteousness, compassion, and harmony in our lives.
The guiding motto of Narayan Seva Sansthan is “Nar Seva Hi Narayan Seva”. This belief lies at the heart of every service initiative undertaken by the organization.
