Shubh Dhanteras 2026 What is Its Meaning, History, Puja Vidhi and Mahurat?

Shubh Dhanteras is an auspicious ritual that falls before the Diwali festival. Also known as Dhantrayodashi, it is made up of two words, Dhan, which indicates wealth, and Teras, which marks the thirteenth day. Hence, it falls on the 13th day of Krishna Paksha, the phase showing the moon's waning, in the Hindu month of Ashwin.

According to the Gregorian calendar, Dhanteras generally falls in October or the following month (November). On this day, people across India worship Maa Lakshmi, Kuber, and Lord Dhanvantri. Since they symbolise wealth, praying to them on this day is considered auspicious, as devotees believe they are blessed with financial prosperity. This year Dhanteras is falling on 6th November 2026 on Friday.

Shubh Dhanteras History

Dhanteras is linked to several mythological stories. During the Samudra Manthan (the churning of the ocean) in Hindu mythology, Dhanvantri (the god of Ayurveda) emerged with the holy book of Ayurveda to bestow it upon the people of Earth. He also brought the 'Amrita' (the elixir of immortality).

According to the Skanda Purana, both Lord Dhanvantri and Goddess Laxmi had emerged from the Samudra Manthan. She emerged from the sea with a pot full of gold (a symbol of wealth and happiness). In honour of her arrival, many Indian families decorate the entrance to their homes with diyas and rangoli on Dhanteras.

There is another story related to Goddess Laxmi. It says that once Lord Vishnu agreed to descend to this world with her on the condition that she would face south. She agreed, but then broke her promise because she wanted sugarcane juice. Vishnu was very angry and told her she would have to serve a poor farmer for 12 years.

She did serve the farmer's family for those 12 years, and during that time he became very successful and amassed wealth. When the 12 years ended and she was to leave, the farmer didn't want her to go. Maa Laxmi then revealed her true form and promised to visit him every Dhanteras. To welcome Maa Laxmi, he began keeping his house clean and lighting a diya on Dhanteras.

Shubh Dhanteras Puja Vidhi

• When doing a Dhanteras puja, cleanse your entrance and puja area.
• Make captivating rangoli inside and outside the door
• Place idols of Lord Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi, and, if possible, images of Lord Dhanvantri.
• Now you have fill the kalash with the clean water, and set the mango leaves, and coconut.
• Lighten up your verandah and interiors with lights and diyas.
• Offer items like sweets, Kumkum, rice, and haldi
• Now sit with your family to chant Lakshmi aarti or even read a story on Dhanteras.
• After the puja, distribute sweets, kheer, and fruits as prasad to your loved ones at home.

Shubh Dhanteras Mahurat

Significance of Dhanteras

The significance of Dhanteras lies rooted in its name, ‘Dhan’ meaning wealth, and Teras, signifies number 13th. On this day, buying a new gold and silver items or utensils is considered to be prosperous for householders.

Since this auspicious day is also dedicated to Maa Lakshmi, then it is also believed that praying her with core devotion makes a person blessed with good health, wealth, and success. To welcome her divine feet, make sure you keep your house free from clutter.  On Dhanteras, there is also a culture of exchanging gifts with family and close friends.

Dhanteras 2026 Gold and Silver Rate

Shubh Dhanteras Shopping

Below are the must-buy items during Dhanteras.

• Gold
• Silver
• Lakshmi Ganesh idols
• Utensils (Steel, Brass, or Copper)
• Gomti Chakra
• Coriander Seeds

Conclusion

Shubh Dhanteras is an auspicious occasion that falls before Diwali. On this day, people indulge in buying gold, silver, items like crockeries, utemsils made of brass, or steel. Today we presented some key facts about the Dhanteras with a brief mythological legend behind it. Let’s spread the joy with each other with exchange of gifts and get blessings of Maa Lakshmi, and Lord Dhanvantri.