Dhanteras, the first day of Diwali, is one of the busiest shopping days of the year in India. Families buy gold, silver, utensils and even vehicles, believing that purchases made on this day bring prosperity. In 2026, Dhanteras falls on Friday, November 6.
Dhanteras 2026 date and muhurat
- Date: Friday, November 6, 2026
- Trayodashi tithi: begins around 12:21 AM and ends around 10:48 PM on November 6
- Pradosh Kaal: about 5:32 PM to 8:09 PM
- Dhanteras puja muhurat: about 5:42 PM to 7:38 PM (Vrishabha Kaal)
Timings are for New Delhi; check a local panchang for your city, as they shift by a few minutes. Since the trayodashi tithi runs through most of the day, shopping during daytime on November 6 is also considered auspicious.
Why Dhanteras is celebrated
The name comes from dhan (wealth) and teras (the 13th day of the lunar fortnight). According to legend, Lord Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods and the father of Ayurveda, emerged from the churning of the ocean on this day carrying a pot of nectar. That is why the day is also linked with health, and the Government of India observes it as National Ayurveda Day.
Another popular story tells of a young prince whose wife saved him from death by placing gold, silver and lamps at their door, dazzling Yama, the god of death. In memory of this, many families light a Yama Deepam, a lamp facing south, on Dhanteras evening.
What to buy on Dhanteras
- Gold and silver: coins, jewellery or bars are the most popular choice.
- Brass, copper or silver utensils: traditionally brought home filled with water, grains or sweets, not empty.
- A new broom: symbolic of sweeping away poverty and negativity.
- Coriander seeds and Gomti chakra: small, low-cost items linked with prosperity in many traditions.
- Electronics, appliances and vehicles: many people time big purchases to the day, helped by festive offers.
What many people avoid buying
Traditionally, families avoid buying sharp iron or steel objects like knives and scissors, glassware, black items and empty vessels on Dhanteras. These are customs rather than rules; follow what your family practises.
Smart tips for buying gold this Dhanteras
Gold prices have been very high in 2026, so it pays to buy carefully.
- Insist on BIS hallmarking: hallmarked gold jewellery carries a 6-digit HUID code. You can check it using the BIS CARE app.
- Understand making charges: these can range from a few per cent to 20% or more of the gold value for intricate designs. Coins and plain designs usually have the lowest charges.
- Remember GST: 3% GST applies on the value of gold, and 5% on making charges.
- Compare the day's rate: check the IBJA or reputable jewellers' published rate before you buy, and ask for an itemised bill.
- Know the resale terms: ask about buy-back policy and deductions upfront.
- Buy small if prices are high: a token purchase of a small coin keeps the tradition without stretching your budget.
Physical gold vs gold ETFs vs digital gold
- Physical gold (jewellery, coins): best for personal use and gifting, but comes with making charges, storage and purity concerns.
- Gold ETFs and gold mutual funds: regulated by SEBI, easy to buy and sell through a demat or fund account, with no making charges. Note that some gold fund-of-funds have paused fresh investments this season, so check before you invest.
- Digital gold on apps: convenient for small amounts, but it is not regulated by SEBI or RBI, so use it cautiously and only through reputed providers.
For long-term investment rather than jewellery, many advisers prefer regulated options such as gold ETFs. Think of gold as a small part of a diversified portfolio rather than a bet on short-term price moves.
A simple Dhanteras puja at home
- Clean the home and entrance, and draw a rangoli.
- Place idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, Kubera and Dhanvantari on a clean cloth.
- Light a ghee lamp and offer flowers, sweets and the new items you have bought.
- In the evening, light the Yama Deepam facing south outside the home.
This article is for general information and is not financial advice. Prices and taxes can change; verify before buying.
Sources
SmartPuja (Dhanteras 2026 muhurat); Bureau of Indian Standards (hallmarking/HUID); Drik Panchang.
