Dhanteras Significance & Spiritual Meaning
Dhanteras marks the first day of the five-day Diwali festival. It is considered auspicious to buy gold, silver, or new utensils. Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda, is also worshipped.
Dhanteras Mythology & Legend
According to the Samudra Manthan legend, Dhanvantari emerged from the ocean with the pot of amrita on this day. In another tale, the son of King Hima was saved from the god of death (Yama) when his wife lit lamps and piled gold at the door, keeping Yama away.
Dhanteras Puja Rituals & Vidhi
- In the evening, light a diya (lamp) and keep it lit all night facing the main door.
- Buy gold, silver, or new utensils; worship them with flowers and incense.
- Draw a small footprint at the entrance to welcome Lakshmi.
- Offer puja to Dhanvantari and Lakshmi; chant mantras.
- Clean the house and prepare for Diwali over the next two days.
Dhanteras Mantras in Sanskrit
ॐ धन्वन्तरये नमः
oṃ dhanvantaraye namaḥ
Salutations to Dhanvantari
Dhanteras Traditional Foods & Prasad
- ●Sweets
- ●Dry fruits
- ●Light meals
- ●Prasad
Dhanteras Regional Celebrations across India
North India(धनतेरस)
Buying gold/silver, lamp at door
South India(தன்தேரஸ்)
Lakshmi puja, new purchases
Dhanteras Do's & Don't's
Do's
- ✓Light a diya at the door
- ✓Buy metal or utensils
- ✓Clean the house
- ✓Worship Lakshmi
Don'ts
- ✗Do not leave the door dark
- ✗Avoid inauspicious talk
- ✗Do not skip the lamp
Dhanteras — Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Dhanteras?
- Dhanteras marks the first day of the five-day Diwali festival.
- When is Dhanteras 2026?
- In 2026, Dhanteras falls on Saturday, 7 November 2026.
- What are the Dhanteras puja rituals?
- In the evening, light a diya (lamp) and keep it lit all night facing the main door.; Buy gold, silver, or new utensils; worship them with flowers and incense.; Draw a small footprint at the entrance to welcome Lakshmi.; Offer puja to Dhanvantari and Lakshmi; chant mantras.
- What to eat on Dhanteras?
- Sweets, Dry fruits, Light meals, Prasad
- What should you do on Dhanteras?
- Light a diya at the door; Buy metal or utensils; Clean the house
- What should you avoid on Dhanteras?
- Do not leave the door dark; Avoid inauspicious talk; Do not skip the lamp
- Which deity is worshipped on Dhanteras?
- Dhanteras is dedicated to Lakshmi.
Upcoming Dhanteras Dates in 2026, 2027 & Beyond
Dhanteras is a sacred Hindu festival observed on the tithi shown. Dates are calculated from the Panchang for your region.
Times shown for New Delhi, India (IST)
| Date | Day | Moonrise Time | Special Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 Nov 2026 | Saturday | 04:38 am | — |
| 27 Oct 2027 | Wednesday | 03:58 am | — |