Dhanteras 2026

When Is Dhanteras in 2026?

In 2026, Dhanteras falls on November 6. The observance lasts 1 day. Because Dhanteras follows a 13th lunar day (Trayodashi) of Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of Kartik month; 2 days before Diwali, the exact Gregorian date shifts each year. Always 2 days before the main Diwali amavasya; follows the same Kartik Krishna Paksha Trayodashi tithi, so the Gregorian date shifts in lockstep with Diwali and may differ by a day between North and South Indian panchangam traditions. Since Dhanteras's date changes from year to year, here are the dates for the next five years so you can plan ahead: Year Date 2026 November 6 2027 October 27 2028 October 15 2029 November 3 2030 October 24

What Time Does Dhanteras Start in Your Time Zone?

Dhanteras falls on the 13th lunar day (trayodashi) of the dark fortnight of Kartik — two days before the main Diwali night. In 2026, Dhanteras falls on November 6. The festival is observed during the day, with the most important Lakshmi puja typically performed in the evening. The exact muhurat (auspicious window) for the puja and for purchases is calculated by Hindu astrological tables and varies by city and longitude. Because Dhanteras kicks off the Diwali festival, diaspora Hindu communities typically observe the same sequence of days as India. A family in New Jersey will celebrate Dhanteras on November 6, 2026, then Naraka Chaturdashi on November 7, and Diwali on November 8 — the same Gregorian dates as in India. The timing of the puja may be adjusted to local sunset times, but the sequence is preserved. The table below shows the observance date for Dhanteras in major time zones around the world: Location Observance Date Time Zone New York, USA November 6 EST/EDT (UTC-5/-4) London, UK November 6 GMT/BST (UTC+0/+1) New Delhi, India November 6 IST (UTC+5:30) Sydney, Australia November 6 AEST/AEDT (UTC+10/+11) Dubai, UAE November 6 GST (UTC+4)

The Story Behind Dhanteras

Dhanteras — also spelled Dhanatrayodashi — is the first day of the five-day Diwali festival, observed on the 13th lunar day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Kartik (October-November). The name combines "dhan" (wealth) and "teras" (thirteenth), and the festival is dedicated to Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods, and to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. The day is considered especially auspicious for purchasing gold, silver, and new utensils — purchases that are believed to bring prosperity throughout the coming year. The mythology of Dhanteras centers on the story of Dhanvantari, who emerged from the cosmic ocean (kshira sagara) when it was churned by the gods and demons. Dhanvantari is the physician of the gods, the founder of Ayurveda, and is often identified as an avatar of Vishnu. According to the legend, he emerged from the ocean carrying a pot of amrita — the nectar of immortality — on the day of Dhanteras. Another popular legend tells of a young prince whose predicted death on the fourth day of his marriage was averted when his wife piled gold coins and lamps around him, blinding Yama, the god of death, who came to claim him. This story is the origin of the Dhanteras tradition of lighting lamps through the night to honor Yama (the practice is called Yama Deepam). Dhanteras is also associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, who is welcomed into homes throughout the Diwali festival. On Dhanteras specifically, Lakshmi is worshipped in her form as the source of material prosperity, and homes are cleaned, whitewashed, and decorated with rangoli to welcome her. Business communities in particular observe Dhanteras as the day to begin the new financial year, opening new account books in a ritual called chopda pujan.

How Dhanteras Is Celebrated

The most distinctive Dhanteras tradition is the purchase of precious metals and utensils. Gold and silver coins, jewelry, silverware, and steel or copper utensils are bought on this day, with the belief that such purchases invoke Lakshmi's blessing for the year ahead. Jewelers and metal-dealers see their busiest day of the year on Dhanteras, with crowds queuing outside shops from morning until night. Even families of modest means make a small purchase — often a single silver coin or a new steel utensil — to mark the day. Homes are decorated with rangoli — intricate patterns drawn on the floor with colored powders, rice flour, or flower petals — at the entrance. Small oil lamps (diyas) are lit and placed at doorways and windows to welcome Lakshmi. In the evening, families perform Lakshmi puja, with offerings of sweets, flowers, and incense. The puja typically includes a small image or idol of Lakshmi, sometimes alongside Dhanvantari and Yama. After the puja, families share a festive meal and exchange sweets with neighbors and relatives. In Maharashtra and parts of South India, a tradition called Yamadeepdan is observed: a lamp is lit at the entrance of the home and kept burning through the night to ward off death. Some families light one lamp for each member of the household, with the belief that the lamp's longevity reflects the person's lifespan. Markets and shopping districts across India stay open late on Dhanteras, with special promotions and discounts on gold, silver, and household goods. The day is the unofficial start of the Diwali shopping season. Why Does Dhanteras Move Every Year? Dhanteras is fixed on the trayodashi of the dark fortnight of Kartik in the Hindu lunisolar calendar. The calendar's leap-month system keeps the festival anchored in late October or November. The astronomical anchor is the moon two days before the new moon of Kartik. Because the Hindu calendar is lunisolar (with leap months every 2.5 years or so), Dhanteras stays in the October-November window rather than drifting through the seasons like strictly lunar holidays.

Calendar Calculation

13th lunar day (Trayodashi) of Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of Kartik month; 2 days before Diwali

Did You Know? Dhanteras Facts & Trivia

Dhanteras — the first day of the five-day Diwali festival — is dedicated to Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods, and to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. The day is considered especially auspicious for purchasing gold, silver, and new utensils — purchases that are believed to bring prosperity throughout the coming year. According to tradition, Dhanvantari emerged from the cosmic ocean (kshira sagara) when it was churned by the gods and demons, carrying a pot of amrita — the nectar of immortality. Dhanvantari is the physician of the gods, the founder of Ayurveda, and is often identified as an avatar of Vishnu. In Maharashtra and parts of South India, a tradition called Yamadeepdan is observed on Dhanteras: a lamp is lit at the entrance of the home and kept burning through the night to ward off death. Some families light one lamp for each member of the household, with the belief that the lamp's longevity reflects the person's lifespan. In 2024, India's Dhanteras gold sales reached approximately $1.8 billion in a single day, according to the All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council. Even families of modest means make a small purchase — often a single silver coin or a new steel utensil — to mark the day. The day is the unofficial start of the Diwali shopping season.