Dhanteras 2026: Puja Vidhi, Auspicious Muhurat and What to Buy
Quick answer: On Dhanteras, worship Dhanvantari, Kuber and Lakshmi in the evening during Pradosh Kaal. Light the Yama Deepam facing south at sunset. Buy gold, silver or new utensils.
At a glance
- Date 2026
- 6 November 2026 (approximate — confirm with your local panchang)
- Puja time
- Pradosh Kaal — approx. 5:30 to 8:00 PM
- Deity
- Lord Dhanvantari, Kuber, Mata Lakshmi
- Tithi
- Kartik Krishna Trayodashi
- What to buy
- Gold, silver, new utensils, broom
Dhanteras Day-of Checklist with Timing
Take an oil massage and bath before sunrise. This is one of the three special Abhyanga Snan days of the Hindu year.
Clean the home, puja room and threshold. Draw rangoli and arrange diyas.
Purchase any gold or silver item, new utensils, a broom, or coriander seeds (dhania). Even a small coin counts.
Place a clay diya outside the house, facing south. It is offered to Yamraj for the protection of the family from untimely death.
Place images of Dhanvantari and Kuber on the puja platform. Chant the Dhanvantari mantra and Kuber mantra 108 times each.
Worship Mata Lakshmi and Ganesh. Recite the Lakshmi Chalisa or Shri Suktam. Chant 'Om Shreem Maha Lakshmyai Namah' 108 times.
Share prasad with family. Give to someone in need — donations on Dhanteras are said to multiply many times over.
Dhanteras Puja Vidhi — Step by Step
- Spread a yellow or red cloth on the puja platform. Place images or idols of Dhanvantari, Kuber and Lakshmi-Ganesh.
- Set up a Kalash (copper pot filled with water) with mango leaves and a coconut on top.
- Offer flowers, rice, roli-moli, kumkum, turmeric and durva to the deities.
- Light a ghee diya and incense sticks.
- Chant the Dhanvantari mantra, Kuber mantra and Lakshmi mantra 108 times each.
- Offer kheer, sweets and lotus flowers — Mata Lakshmi's favourite prasad.
- Recite the Lakshmi Chalisa or Shri Suktam.
- Perform aarti and distribute prasad to the family.
What to Buy on Dhanteras
- Gold or silver — any coin, ornament or vessel, however small
- New utensils — copper, brass, steel or clay; new vessels bring prosperity to the home
- New broom (Jhadoo) — buying a new broom on Dhanteras is considered very auspicious
- Coriander seeds (Dhania) — symbol of Kuber's wealth
- Electronics or any new item — any new purchase on Dhanteras is auspicious
- Diyas and candles — to illuminate the home for Diwali
Mantras for Dhanteras
Dhanvantari Mantra (for health and healing): Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye Amruta-Kalasha Hastaya Sarva-Bhaya Vinashaaya Sarva-Roga Nivaranaaya Trilokapate Trilokanathaaya Shri Maha Vishnave Namah — chant 108 times.
Kuber Mantra (for wealth and prosperity): Om Hreem Shreem Kreem Shreem Kuberaaya Ashta-Lakshmi Mama Grihe Dhanam Pooraya Pooraya Namah — chant 108 times.
Lakshmi Mantra: Om Shreem Maha Lakshmyai Namah — chant 108 times. Simple yet deeply effective.
For exact muhurat, confirm with your local panchang. Times given above are approximate.
Frequently asked questions
What should not be bought on Dhanteras?
Glass items, sharp tools (like scissors and knives), and iron objects are traditionally avoided. However, this varies by region and family custom — the most important thing is the auspicious intent.
What is Yama Deepam?
Yama Deepam is a clay diya lit at sunset, placed outside the house facing south, as an offering to Yamraj. It is lit to protect the family from untimely death and is a Dhanteras-specific tradition.
Can we do Dhanteras puja if we cannot afford gold?
Absolutely. If gold or silver is not affordable, buying a new utensil, broom, or even coriander seeds (dhania) is equally auspicious. The devotion behind the puja matters most.
What is the difference between Dhanteras and Diwali?
Dhanteras falls two days before Diwali. On this day Dhanvantari, Kuber and Yamraj are worshipped, and new purchases are made. The main Lakshmi-Ganesh puja is on Diwali itself.
When is Dhanteras 2026?
Dhanteras 2026 is on approximately 6 November 2026 (Kartik Krishna Trayodashi). Confirm the exact date with your local panchang.