Dhanteras 2026 — Date, Muhurat, Puja Vidhi & Complete Shopping Guide

Quick Answer: Dhanteras 2026 is on Saturday, 18 October 2026. The best puja muhurat is Pradosh Kaal: 6:01 PM to 8:05 PM IST. On this day, buy Laxmi-Ganesh idols, silver coins, brassware, and new utensils — and perform Yamadeepdaan at the main entrance facing south for protection from negativity and misfortune.

Dhanteras 2026 Kab Hai — Date, Tithi & Muhurat

Dhanteras, also known as Dhanvantari Trayodashi, marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival. In 2026, Dhanteras falls on Saturday, 18 October 2026.

The Trayodashi Tithi — the thirteenth day of the Krishna Paksha of Kartik month — begins at 8:31 AM on 18 October and ends at 6:01 AM on 19 October 2026. Since Pradosh Kaal falls within the Trayodashi on 18 October, that evening is the ideal time for puja and Yamadeepdaan.

Muhurat source: Drik Panchang — Dhanteras 2026

What is Dhanteras — Significance and Religious Beliefs

The word "Dhanteras" comes from two Sanskrit words: Dhan (wealth) and Teras (thirteenth). This day is sacred for two reasons:

1. Dhanvantari Trayodashi: According to the Samudra Manthan legend in the Puranas, the divine physician Dhanvantari — an avatar of Lord Vishnu — emerged from the churning of the cosmic ocean carrying the pot of Amrit (nectar of immortality) on this Trayodashi. He is the deity of Ayurveda and is worshipped for health and healing on Dhanteras. Doctors and Ayurvedic practitioners observe this day with special reverence.

2. Yama Puja & Yamadeepdaan: According to the Katha associated with King Hima's son, Lord Yama (the god of death) visited this prince on the fourth day of his marriage in the form of a serpent. The queen saved her husband by placing shining gold ornaments and lit diyas at the entrance, dazzling Yama and keeping him away. Ever since, lighting a diya facing south — Yama's direction — on Dhanteras has become a tradition to ward off untimely death.

Why Do We Buy Things on Dhanteras — The Real Reason

The tradition of purchasing on Dhanteras is deeply rooted in the belief that Goddess Laxmi enters homes that are lit, clean, and full of auspicious items during this period. Buying new metal items — silver, gold, brass, or copper — symbolizes inviting Dhan (wealth) into the household.

In older times, families would buy new utensils to replenish and renew their home. Today, the tradition extends to buying:

• Laxmi-Ganesh idols — to be installed on Diwali night puja
• Silver coins (chandi ke sikke) — kept in the mandir or locker as a permanent wealth symbol
• Brassware and diyas — for puja use
• New jewellery — traditionally gold or silver
• Electronic items — a modern extension of the "new and auspicious" tradition
• Poshak for Thakur Ji or other home deities — a beautiful devotional practice

For devotees who have a home mandir, Dhanteras is an especially auspicious time to bring a new murti (idol) or a fresh poshak (divine dress) for their beloved deity. The energy of Dhanvantari and Laxmi on this day blesses both the item and the home.

Dhanteras 2026 Puja Vidhi — Step by Step

Performing Dhanteras puja correctly ensures the full blessings of Mata Laxmi and Lord Dhanvantari. Here is a complete step-by-step guide:

Preparation (Afternoon)

1. Clean the entire house, especially the pooja room and main entrance.
2. Make a rangoli at the main door and in the puja area using white powder, flowers, or colours.
3. Set up your home mandir — dust the idols or murtis and place fresh cloth or a new poshak if applicable.
4. Arrange all puja samagri: roli, chawal (akshat), flowers, incense, camphor, sweets/prasad, diyas, coins.

Evening Puja (Pradosh Kaal: 6:01 PM – 8:05 PM)

1. Snan (Bathing): Take a bath, wear fresh and clean clothes, ideally yellow or orange.
2. Idol Sthapan: Place the Laxmi-Ganesh murti on a wooden chowki covered with red cloth. If you bought a new idol today, perform Prana Pratishtha (a simple invocation).
3. Kalash Sthapan: Fill a copper or brass pot with water, mango leaves on top, and a coconut. Place it beside the murti.
4. Diya Lighting: Light ghee diyas — one large diya in the puja area, others at windows and thresholds.
5. Puja: Offer roli-chawal, flowers, dhoop, deep, and mithai. Chant "Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namah" 108 times.
6. Aarti: Sing Laxmi Aarti and Dhanvantari Aarti.
7. Prasad Distribution: Distribute kheel-batasha, dry fruits, or sweets.

Yamadeepdaan (At Dusk)

1. Light a single large diya (preferably with sesame oil or mustard oil).
2. Place it at the main entrance of your home, facing south (Yama's direction).
3. Pray for the protection and long life of all family members.
4. Let this diya burn throughout the night — do not extinguish it.

Dhanteras Puja Samagri — Complete Checklist

If you need a full Laxmi Puja samagri list, read our detailed guide: Laxmi Puja Samagri — Complete List & Puja Vidhi.

Laxmi Ganesh Idol Khareedne Ka Sahi Din — Dhanteras Ya Diwali?

This is a common question among devotees. The answer varies by region:

• Maharashtra & Gujarat: Traditionally, Laxmi-Ganesh idols are purchased on Dhanteras and then installed and worshipped on Diwali night. The idol bought on Dhanteras is considered to carry the blessings of Dhanvantari.
• North India (UP, Bihar, Rajasthan): Both Dhanteras and Diwali morning are considered auspicious for buying a new murti. Many families purchase on Dhanteras and perform a full sthapana on Diwali.
• Bengal: Laxmi Puja is done on the full moon of Ashwin (Kojagari Purnima), which precedes Diwali. Dhanteras is still observed but differently.

Regardless of tradition, buying a Laxmi-Ganesh idol at Amfez.com before Dhanteras ensures timely delivery and lets you begin preparations without last-minute rush.

Dhanteras Par Kaun Sa Rang Shubh Hai?

Yellow and orange are the most auspicious colours for Dhanteras puja and clothing — they represent wealth, energy, and Mata Laxmi's golden radiance. White is also auspicious for Dhanvantari puja, symbolising purity and health. Avoid black or grey on puja days.

Dhanteras 2026 — Hindi Mein (Dhanteras ki Puri Jankari)

Dhanteras, jise Dhanvantari Trayodashi bhi kaha jaata hai, Diwali ke paanch din ke mahotsav ka pehla din hai. 2026 mein Dhanteras 18 October, Shanivar ko padega. Iss din Pradosh Kaal mein — sham 6:01 baje se 8:05 baje tak — puja karna sarvottam maana jaata hai.

Is din ki teen mukhya parampara hain:

1. Dhan Kharidna: Chandi ke sikke, sona, pittal ke bartan, ya naye ghar ke mandir ke liye murti ya poshak kharidna Mata Laxmi ki kripa aur samridhi ka swagat karna hai.
2. Laxmi-Dhanvantari Puja: Ghar ke mandir mein Laxmi Ji aur Dhanvantari Ji ki puja karo. Laxmi Aarti aur Dhanvantari Mantra ka paath karo.
3. Yamadeepdaan: Sham dhale ek diya main darwaze ke bahar, muh south ki taraf jalaao. Yeh diya poori raat jalta rehna chahiye. Is parampara se parivar ke sabhi sadasyon ki suraksha aur lambi umar ke liye Yama Dev se prarthana ki jaati hai.

Dhanteras ka asli sandesh yeh hai: jo ghar iss din saaf, prakashit aur prasanna hota hai, usme Mata Laxmi khud kadam rakhti hain.

Frequently Asked Questions — Dhanteras 2026

Q: Dhanteras 2026 kab hai aur muhurat kya hai?

Dhanteras 2026 is on 18 October 2026 (Saturday). Pradosh Kaal muhurat: 6:01 PM to 8:05 PM IST. Yamadeepdaan should be done at dusk on this day.

Q: Dhanteras pe kya kharidna shubh hai?

Laxmi-Ganesh murti, silver coins, brassware, diyas, new puja items, and jewellery are all considered auspicious purchases on Dhanteras.

Q: Kya Dhanteras pe Laxmi idol lana chahiye ya Diwali pe?

Both days are auspicious. In Maharashtra and Gujarat, idols are traditionally bought on Dhanteras. In North India, both days are acceptable. If ordering online, buying on Dhanteras ensures timely delivery for Diwali night installation.