What is Dhanteras?
Dhanteras, also called Dhantrayodashi, opens the five-day Diwali festival on the Trayodashi of Kartik Krishna Paksha. The day honours Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician who emerged with the pot of amrit during the Samudra Manthan, as well as Goddess Lakshmi and Kubera, the keeper of wealth.
Because of Dhanvantari's link with Ayurveda, Dhanteras is also observed in India as National Ayurveda Day, so the festival stands for health as much as wealth.
What to buy on Dhanteras
- Gold or silver coins and jewellery, or a small silver Lakshmi-Ganesh idol
- New utensils of brass, copper or steel
- Items for the Diwali puja such as diyas, a new broom and puja samagri
- Traditions vary by region, so follow your family custom
Yama Deepam on Dhanteras
After sunset, a diya filled with sesame or mustard oil is lit outside the main entrance, facing south, as an offering to Yama for the protection of the family. Many households light it after the Lakshmi puja.
Dhanteras Puja 2026 puja vidhi (step by step)
- Clean the house and the puja space, and draw a rangoli at the entrance.
- Place images or idols of Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesh and Kubera on a clean cloth, facing east or north.
- Light a ghee diya and take the sankalp with your name, gotra and wish.
- Offer roli, akshat, flowers, sweets and fruit, and chant the Dhanvantari and Lakshmi mantras.
- Worship the gold, silver, coins and new utensils bought that day, then perform aarti.
- In the evening light the Yama Deepam outside the main door facing south.
Book a Pandit Ji for Dhanteras Puja
Book a verified Pandit Ji on Live Sharma Ji and the puja is performed with authentic Vedic mantras, in person at your home or live-streamed for family abroad. Booking is confirmed on WhatsApp, and the pandit explains the vidhi and the samagri (items) you need beforehand.
Frequently asked questions
When is Dhanteras in 2026?
Dhanteras 2026 is on Friday, 6 November 2026, on Kartik Krishna Trayodashi. Diwali follows two days later on Sunday, 8 November 2026.
Which gods are worshipped on Dhanteras?
Lord Dhanvantari (god of Ayurveda and health), Goddess Lakshmi (wealth) and Kubera (treasurer of the gods) are worshipped, usually along with Lord Ganesh.
How do I find the right muhurat for Dhanteras puja?
The exact muhurat depends on your city's sunrise, sunset and tithi timings. Check a local panchang, or book a Pandit Ji on Live Sharma Ji, who will confirm the correct muhurat for your location before the puja.
Can Dhanteras puja be performed online or live-streamed?
Yes. On Live Sharma Ji you can book a verified Pandit Ji for an in-person puja or a live-streamed puja, which suits families living abroad (NRIs) or away from home. The pandit performs the ritual with the sankalp in your family's name and you join over video.
Festival dates follow the lunar calendar (tithi) and can differ by a day between cities and panchangs. Confirm the exact muhurat for your city with your Pandit Ji when you book.
