Dhanteras opens the five days of Diwali, and it is about more than shopping for gold. The name comes from dhan (wealth) and teras (the thirteenth lunar day). It is a day to welcome prosperity, and also to make room for it: clean the home, clear old energy and set a clear intention for the year ahead.
This guide covers the Dhanteras 2026 date, the rituals that matter most, what to buy (and what to skip), and a simple home ritual you can do in under 30 minutes.
Dhanteras 2026 Date and Puja Time
- Date: Friday, 6 November 2026
- Tithi: Kartik Krishna Paksha Trayodashi
- Best time for puja: the evening Pradosh Kaal, just after sunset (roughly 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM in most Indian cities)
- Lakshmi Puja (Diwali): two days later, on Amavasya
Exact muhurat timings shift by city, so check your local panchang for the precise window where you live.
Why Dhanteras Is Celebrated
Dhanteras honours three energies at once:
- Goddess Lakshmi, who brings wealth, abundance and good fortune.
- Lord Kuber, the keeper of wealth, who helps you hold on to what you earn.
- Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda, who is said to have emerged from the ocean of milk on this day carrying a pot of amrit. That is why the day is also called Dhanvantari Jayanti, a reminder that health is the first form of wealth.
There is also the tradition of Yama Deepam: a lamp lit outside the home facing south, offered to Yamraj as a prayer for the protection and long life of the family.
Prepare Your Home: Clear First, Then Invite
In spiritual practice, abundance needs space. Before the puja, take a day to clear:
- Declutter. Let go of broken items, expired products and things you no longer use, especially near the entrance and in the north (the direction linked with Kuber).
- Clean the main door. The entrance is where Lakshmi is welcomed. Wipe it, hang a fresh toran and draw a rangoli or small footprints leading inside.
- Cleanse the energy, not just the floor. Add a handful of salt to your mopping water, open the windows and let fresh air and light move through every room.
A Simple Dhanteras Ritual You Can Do at Home
You do not need an elaborate setup. What matters most is your intention and attention.
Step 1: Begin with a cleansing bath
Before the evening puja, take a ritual bath to wash away the heaviness of the day. Dissolve a scoop of Abundance Spiritual Bath Salt in your bath or bucket water. As you pour the water, imagine old worries about money leaving your body. If you feel blocked or drained, start with our Negativity Removal Bath Salt instead.
Step 2: Set up a small altar
On a clean red or yellow cloth, place an image of Lakshmi, Kuber or Dhanvantari, a diya, fresh flowers, a few rice grains, coins and something sweet. Facing north or east works well.
Step 3: Add crystals for prosperity
Crystals act as focus points for your intention. Three that are traditionally linked with wealth:
- Pyrite: the stone of attraction and protection of wealth, often kept in the cash drawer or locker.
- Citrine: the merchant's stone, linked with optimism, confidence and new opportunities.
- Green Aventurine: the stone of luck, helpful when you are starting something new.
Hold each crystal for a moment, state what you want to welcome this year, and place it on the altar.
Step 4: Light the diya and anoint it
Light a ghee or oil diya. You can dab a drop of Prosperity Spiritual Oil on the base of the diya or on your wrists to anchor the intention.
Step 5: Speak your intention
Sit quietly for a few minutes. Offer gratitude for what you already have, then say your intention in the present tense. For example: "Money flows to me easily, and I use it wisely for myself and my family." Writing it on a Wealth and Abundance Manifestation Card and keeping it in your wallet helps you return to it through the year.
Step 6: Light the Yama Deepam
Finish by placing a four-wick diya outside your main door, facing south, as a prayer for your family's protection.
What to Buy on Dhanteras 2026
Buying something on Dhanteras is a symbolic act of welcoming growth. Traditional and meaningful choices include:
- Gold or silver, even a small coin
- New brass or copper utensils
- A new broom, believed to sweep out poverty and negativity
- Dhania (coriander) seeds, offered in puja and later sown or kept in the locker
- Prosperity crystals such as a Pyrite Cluster or Citrine Tree for your work desk or home's north corner
- A wearable intention, like the Money Magnet Bracelet, so the energy stays with you every day
Traditionally, many families avoid buying iron, sharp objects, glass and black items on this day.
Dhanteras Mistakes to Avoid
- Leaving the entrance dark. Keep the main door and the north side of the home lit through the evening.
- Lending or borrowing money on the day itself, which many families avoid.
- Buying in a rush. A small, mindful purchase carries more meaning than an expensive one made out of pressure.
- Forgetting health. Dhanteras is also Dhanvantari's day. A short walk, a home-cooked meal or a promise to look after your body is a fitting offering.
Carry the Energy into Diwali
Dhanteras sets the tone for the next four days. Keep your crystals on the altar until Lakshmi Puja, light a diya each evening and revisit your intention daily. For more ideas, read our guides on Diwali manifestation rituals, creating peaceful energy at home for Diwali and using your Money Magnet Bracelet in your Diwali ritual.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Dhanteras in 2026?
Dhanteras falls on Friday, 6 November 2026, two days before Diwali Lakshmi Puja.
What is the best time to do Dhanteras puja?
The evening Pradosh Kaal, just after sunset, is considered the most auspicious window. Check your local panchang for exact timings in your city.
Which crystal is best for Dhanteras?
Pyrite and Citrine are the most popular choices for wealth and abundance. Green Aventurine is a good pick if you are starting a new job or business.
Can I do Dhanteras rituals without a priest?
Yes. A clean space, a diya, a sincere prayer and a clear intention are enough. The simple ritual above is designed to be done at home by anyone.
Wishing you and your family a bright, abundant Dhanteras from all of us at Soul Magik. Explore our prosperity collection to begin your ritual.
