Dhanteras 2026 to be observed November 6

Dhanteras will be observed on Friday, November 6, 2026, marking the start of the five-day Diwali festival. The Hindu occasion, also known as Dhantrayodashi, is associated with prayers for wealth and good health, as well as traditions that include buying precious metals and household goods. Families commonly worship Goddess Lakshmi, associated with prosperity, and Lord Dhanvantari, linked to health and Ayurveda. Some also pray to Lord Kubera, regarded in Hindu traditions as a guardian and treasurer of wealth. The observance falls on the thirteenth day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik. According to Drik Panchang, the Dhanteras puja muhurat on November 6 is from 6:02 p.m. to 7:57 p.m. The evening prayers are commonly accompanied by preparations at home, including cleaning and decoration, and by lighting lamps and arranging traditional offerings. Families may offer flowers, fruit, sweets or coins during worship. Practices vary by region. Traditions described for the south include lighting deepams and performing Yamadeepdaan, while Chopda Pujan in western India is associated with the start of the financial year. The festival is also marked by rangoli and oil lamps in...