Dhanteras, also known as “Dhanatrayodashi” or “Dhanvantari Trayodashi” falls in the month of Kartik on the 13th day of the dark fortnight. Dhanteras is the first day of the Indian Diwali and Nepalese Tihar Festival. This festival of wealth is celebrated two days before the festival of lights, Diwali. ‘Dhan’ literally, means wealth, and ‘Tera’ comes from the date 13th.
Dhanteras 2026: Date, Tithi and Puja Muhurat
In 2026, Dhanteras falls on Friday, 6 November 2026, on Kartika Krishna Trayodashi, the first day of the five-day Diwali festivities. The evening Lakshmi and Kuber puja is done in Pradosh Kaal, in the part of it when Vrishabha, the fixed lagna, is rising.
Dhanteras 2026 Key Facts
- Dhanteras 2026: Friday, 6 November 2026
- Tithi: Kartika Krishna Trayodashi
- Puja muhurat (New Delhi): about 06:02 PM to 07:57 PM IST – the window follows local sunset, so it differs by city
- Trayodashi tithi: begins around 10:30 AM on 6 November and ends around 10:47 AM on 7 November 2026 (IST)
- Also called: Dhantrayodashi, Dhanatrayodashi, Dhanvantari Trayodashi, Yamadeepdaan
- Worshipped: Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera, Lord Dhanvantari and Lord Yama
- Its place in Diwali: first of the five days; Choti Diwali (Naraka Chaturdashi) follows, then the main Lakshmi Puja on Diwali
Why Dhanteras Is Also Called Yamadeepdaan
The legend on this page is why Dhanteras is linked with Yama, the god of death. Yamadeepdaan, the custom described below, is the lighting of earthen lamps on Dhanteras and leaving them burning through the night in honour of Yama, in the belief that the light wards off untimely death. The day follows the tithi, so it shifts each year – in 2026 it falls on 6 November. The puja window follows local sunset and the lagna, so follow a panchang for your own city.
On this auspicious day Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth is worshiped. The lamp is lit and Dhan-Lakshmi is welcomed into the house in the evening. Alpana or Rangoli designs are drawn on pathways including the goddess’ footprints to mark the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi. Aartis, Sweets, and fruits are offered to Goddess Lakshmi.
Hindus also worship Lord Kubera as the treasurer of wealth and the bestower of riches, along with Goddess Lakshmi on Dhanteras. This custom of worshiping Lakshmi and Kubera together is the prospect of doubling the benefits of such prayers.
People visit jewelers and buy gold or silver jewelry or utensils to venerate the occasion of Dhanteras. Many wear new jewelry as they light the first lamp of Diwali.
The Legend Behind the Dhanteras and Naraka Chaturdashi
There is an interesting story about the 16-year-old son of King Hima. His horoscope predicted his death from a snake bite on the fourth day of his marriage. His newlywed wife did not allow him to sleep on that particular day. She laid out all her ornaments and lots of gold and silver coins in a heap at the entrance of the sleeping chamber and lit lamps all over the place. To stop her husband from falling asleep, she narrated many stories and sang songs all night.
The next day, when Yama, the God of Death, arrived at the prince’s doorstep in the guise of a Serpent, his eyes were dazzled and blinded by the brilliance of the lamps and the jewelry. Yam could not enter the Prince’s chamber, so he climbed on top of the heap of gold coins and sat there the entire night listening to the stories and songs. In the morning, he silently went away.
Thus, the young prince was saved from the clutches of death by the cleverness of his new bride, and the day came to be celebrated as Dhanteras. And the following days came to be called Naraka Chaturdashi (‘Naraka’ means hell and Chaturdashi mean 14th). It is also known as ‘Yamadeepdaan’ as the ladies of the house light earthen lamps or ‘deep’ and these are kept burning throughout the night glorifying Yama, the god of Death. Since this is the night before Diwali, it is also called ‘Choti Diwali‘ or Diwali minor.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Dhanteras in 2026?
Dhanteras 2026 falls on Friday, 6 November 2026, on Kartika Krishna Trayodashi, the first day of the five-day Diwali festivities.
What is the tithi of Dhanteras 2026?
Dhanteras 2026 is observed on Krishna Trayodashi of Kartika. The tithi begins around 10:30 AM on 6 November and ends around 10:47 AM on 7 November 2026, IST; clock times vary slightly by source and place.
Is Dhanteras the same as Choti Diwali?
No. Dhanteras is the first day of Diwali, while Choti Diwali is Naraka Chaturdashi, the day that follows Dhanteras and comes just before the main Diwali day.
What is Yamadeepdaan?
Yamadeepdaan is the custom of lighting earthen lamps on Dhanteras and leaving them burning through the night in honour of Yama, the god of death, in the belief that the light wards off untimely death.
What is the Dhanteras 2026 puja muhurat?
The muhurat is the evening Pradosh Kaal window in which Vrishabha, a fixed lagna, is rising. For New Delhi it is about 06:02 PM to 07:57 PM on 6 November 2026; it follows local sunset, so the time differs by city.
What do people buy on Dhanteras?
Gold, silver, new utensils and metalware are traditionally bought on Dhanteras, as a new form of wealth or precious metal is considered auspicious. Many also buy appliances and vehicles.