Dhanteras falls on Friday, 6 November 2026. It is Kartik Krishna Trayodashi, the first of the five days of Diwali. In the evening Pradosh Kaal, families worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kuber (the god of wealth) and Lord Dhanvantari (the god of Ayurveda), and light a lamp for Yamraj outside the main door. This guide gives the full Dhanteras puja vidhi — samagri, step-by-step method, timings, Yam Deepdaan, what to buy and the katha.
Dhanteras 2026: date and muhurat
| Detail | Time (2026, IST) |
|---|---|
| Dhanteras | Friday, 6 November 2026 |
| Trayodashi tithi begins | 6 November, 10:32 AM |
| Trayodashi tithi ends | 7 November, 10:49 AM |
| Pradosh Kaal – Delhi | 5:32 PM to 7:56 PM |
| Pradosh Kaal – Mumbai | 6:02 PM to 8:26 PM |
| Pradosh Kaal – Patna | 5:05 PM to 7:29 PM |
Dhanteras puja is done after sunset in Pradosh Kaal. Many families choose the fixed (sthir) Vrishabha lagna within this window. For your own city’s sunset, open Today’s Panchang. These timings come from our Panchang engine; a difference of a few minutes from your local panchang is possible.
Dhanteras puja samagri (what you need)
- Images or idols of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kuber and Lord Dhanvantari
- A low wooden stool (chowki), a red or yellow cloth, a kalash with mango leaves and a coconut
- Roli, kumkum, turmeric, akshat (unbroken rice), kalawa (sacred thread), flowers and a garland
- A ghee lamp, incense and camphor
- Offerings — khil-batashe, sweets and fruit; tulsi leaves for Lord Dhanvantari
- New utensils, coins or jewellery bought that day, and coriander seeds
- For Yam Deepdaan: a four-wick lamp made of flour or clay, and mustard oil
Dhanteras puja vidhi — step by step
- In the morning clean the house, make a rangoli at the main door and hang a toran.
- In the evening bathe and wear clean clothes. Place the chowki in the north-east corner and cover it with the red or yellow cloth.
- Place the images of Ganesha, Lakshmi, Kuber and Dhanvantari on it, along with a kalash filled with water.
- Begin with Lord Ganesha — “Om Gam Ganapataye Namah”.
- Offer roli, rice, flowers and kalawa to all the deities and light the ghee lamp and incense.
- Offer tulsi leaves and a yellow sweet to Lord Dhanvantari and pray for your family’s health — “Om Dhanvantaraye Namah”.
- Place the new utensils, coins or jewellery before Kuber and Lakshmi and chant “Om Kuberaya Namah” and “Om Shri Mahalakshmyai Namah” 11 or 108 times.
- Offer khil-batashe, sweets and fruit, then sing the Ganesh aarti and the Om Jai Laxmi Mata aarti.
- Finish with Yam Deepdaan (below) and share the prasad.
How to do Yam Deepdaan
On Dhanteras evening a lamp is lit in the name of Yamraj outside the main door. It is believed to protect the family from untimely death.
- Take a four-wick lamp of flour or clay and fill it with mustard oil.
- Light it in Pradosh Kaal and place it outside the main door facing south, the direction of Yama.
- Pray to Yamraj for your family’s protection. Traditionally one does not look back at the lamp after placing it.
What to buy on Dhanteras — and what to avoid
- Auspicious: brass, copper or steel utensils, gold and silver, silver coins, a new broom, coriander seeds, gomti chakra and new account books.
- Coriander seeds kept in the puja are later sown in a pot or field as a sign of prosperity.
- Do not bring a new utensil home empty — fill it with a little grain, sweets or water.
- Avoid: by tradition, iron and glass items, sharp objects and black goods are not bought on this day.
Dhanteras katha
The appearance of Lord Dhanvantari
According to the Puranas, during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) Lord Dhanvantari appeared on Kartik Krishna Trayodashi holding a pot of amrit. He is the god of Ayurveda and a form of Lord Vishnu, so the day is also called Dhanvantari Jayanti and he is worshipped for good health. The pot he carried is why buying utensils on this day became a tradition.
The story of King Hima’s son (Yam Deepdaan)
A popular story says that King Hima’s son was destined to die of a snakebite on the fourth day of his marriage. That night his wife kept him awake, piled gold and silver ornaments at the door and lit lamps all around. She told stories and sang through the night. When Yamraj came as a snake, the glitter of the lamps and jewels dazzled him; he sat listening to the songs and left at dawn. Since then a lamp is lit for Yama on Dhanteras night.
The five days of Diwali 2026
| Day | Festival |
|---|---|
| Friday, 6 November | Dhanteras |
| Saturday, 7 November | Chaturdashi begins (10:49 AM) · Choti Diwali in the evening |
| Sunday, 8 November | Narak Chaturdashi bath in the morning · Diwali Lakshmi Puja in the evening |
| Monday, 9 November | Kartik Amavasya — holy bath and charity |
| Tuesday, 10 November | Govardhan Puja · Annakut |
| Wednesday, 11 November | Bhai Dooj |
Read more about the festival on Wikipedia and see every upcoming fast in our Vrat Calendar.
Frequently asked questions
When is Dhanteras in 2026?
Dhanteras is on Friday, 6 November 2026. Trayodashi tithi runs from 10:32 AM on 6 November to 10:49 AM on 7 November.
What is the best time for Dhanteras puja?
After sunset, in Pradosh Kaal — 5:32 PM to 7:56 PM in Delhi. Check your own city in Today’s Panchang.
Whom do we worship on Dhanteras?
Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kuber and Lord Dhanvantari, beginning with Lord Ganesha. A lamp is also lit for Yamraj in the evening.
Which direction should the Yam Deepdaan lamp face?
Place the four-wick mustard-oil lamp outside the main door facing south.
