Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, marks the beginning of the grand Diwali festivities in Gujarat. In 2026, Dhanteras will be celebrated on Friday, November 6. The occasion is associated with prayers, traditional rituals, shopping for gold and silver, purchasing new utensils and preparing homes for the festival. For families observing Dhanteras, knowing the puja timings, preparing the worship area and arranging the required items are important parts of the celebration. In Gujarat, the evening twilight period, known as Pradosh Kaal, is considered an auspicious time for Lakshmi and Kuber puja. The day is not just about shopping and celebration but also about prayer, gratitude and welcoming prosperity into the home with a sense of devotion.
Dhanteras 2026 Date and Puja Muhurat
Dhanteras will fall on November 6, 2026. The auspicious evening puja timings differ slightly between major cities in Gujarat.
| Details | Date and Timing |
|---|---|
| Dhanteras date | Friday, November 6, 2026 |
| Surat puja muhurat | 6:32 PM to 8:31 PM |
| Ahmedabad puja muhurat | 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM |
| Trayodashi Tithi begins | 10:30 AM on November 6 |
| Trayodashi Tithi ends | 10:47 AM on November 7 |
The evening puja is performed during Pradosh Kaal. Families can use the listed city timings to plan their Lakshmi and Kuber puja. Since the window is roughly two hours long, there is enough time to arrange the puja area, light the lamps and complete the rituals without rushing.
Yama Deepam Ritual
Yama Deepam is another traditional observance associated with Dhanteras. Late in the evening, a four-faced oil lamp, known as a diya, is placed outside the main entrance facing south. The ritual is performed as a prayer for protection against misfortune. In many Gujarati households, this simple act of lighting the lamp outside the door is considered an important part of the day’s observances, and it is usually done after the main evening puja is completed.
Dhanteras 2026 Fasting Rules
Dhanteras is associated with shopping and celebration, but many families also observe a traditional fast. In 2026, Dhanteras coincides with Pradosh, making the Pradosh Vrat an important part of the day’s observances. The fast is not meant to be difficult, and families often adjust it according to their health and daily routine.
Pradosh Vrat
The Pradosh Vrat is observed by fasting until the evening puja. It is considered auspicious for health and financial balance. Devotees traditionally complete their fast after performing the evening Lakshmi-Kuber and Dhanvantari pujas. This timing allows the day’s work and shopping to continue while keeping the spiritual focus on the evening rituals.
What Can Be Consumed During the Fast?
Those observing the fast typically follow a Phalahar diet during the day. This includes:
- Milk
- Water
- Nuts
- Fresh fruits
After the evening pujas, the fast is traditionally broken with a pure vegetarian festive meal. Families often prepare simple, sattvic food for this meal, keeping the festive spirit while respecting the tradition of the fast.
What to Wear on Dhanteras
Dhanteras is associated with prosperity, so traditional festive clothing in auspicious colours is commonly preferred. Gold, bright yellow, mustard, vibrant red and royal pink are among the suggested choices. Gold and yellow are associated with Lord Kuber and wealth, while red and pink represent Goddess Lakshmi. Wearing these colours is seen as a way of inviting positive energy and prosperity into the day.
Traditional Outfits for Dhanteras
People can choose clothing that is festive yet comfortable for shopping and evening puja rituals. Suggested options include:
- A light silk saree, such as Chanderi or Gajji silk
- An elegant Bandhani or Patola-print outfit
- A festive kurta-pyjama set with subtle zari or gota patti embroidery
Black and dark grey are traditionally avoided on puja days during Diwali week, as these colours are culturally associated with mourning rather than celebration. Choosing the right outfit is not just about looking festive but also about respecting the cultural spirit of the occasion.
Dhanteras Puja Vidhi: Step-by-Step Preparation
Preparing the puja area and arranging the deities and offerings are important parts of the Dhanteras ritual. The following steps outline the traditional puja preparations. Following these steps carefully helps ensure that the puja is performed in a calm and organised way.
1. Cleanse and Prepare the Puja Space
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the puja room. Sprinkle a few drops of Ganga Jal, or holy water, around the room and over yourself as part of the purification ritual. Next, place a wooden stool, known as a chowki, in the north or east corner of the room. Cover it with a clean red or yellow cloth to prepare the platform for worship. The direction and the cloth colour are both considered important in traditional practice.
2. Arrange the Deities
Place the idols or images of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kuber on the prepared cloth. An image or idol of Lord Dhanvantari, associated with health, may also be placed there. Lord Ganesha should be positioned to the left of Goddess Lakshmi and worshipped first as part of the ritual. Worshipping Lord Ganesha first is a tradition followed in almost every Hindu puja, as it is believed to remove obstacles before other rituals begin.
3. Set Up the Holy Kalash
Take a copper or brass pot, known as a Kalash, and fill it three-fourths full with clean water. Add a clean coin, a betel nut called supari and a pinch of turmeric to the water. Arrange five or seven mango leaves around the neck of the pot. Place a coconut wrapped in red cloth on top, then position the Kalash beside the deities. The Kalash is a central part of the puja setup and is considered a symbol of abundance and auspiciousness.
4. Prepare the Puja Offerings
Place newly purchased gold, silver or utensils in front of the idols. A small bowl of coriander seeds, known as dhaniya, may also be included as a traditional symbol of growth and prosperity. Finally, light the main ghee lamp, or diya, to mark the formal beginning of the puja ritual. Once the lamp is lit, the family can begin the prayers with a calm and focused mind.
Dhanteras 2026: Important Things to Remember
Before beginning the celebrations, keep these points in mind:
- Date: Friday, November 6, 2026
- Surat puja timing: 6:32 PM to 8:31 PM
- Ahmedabad puja timing: 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
- Yama Deepam: Place a four-faced oil lamp outside the main entrance facing south
- Fasting: A traditional Phalahar diet may include milk, water, nuts and fresh fruits
- Puja preparation: Clean the worship area, arrange the deities, prepare the Kalash and keep the offerings ready
- Clothing: Gold, yellow, mustard, red and royal pink are suggested festive colours
Conclusion
Dhanteras 2026 will be celebrated on Friday, November 6, marking the beginning of Diwali festivities in Gujarat. From the evening Lakshmi-Kuber puja in Surat and Ahmedabad to traditional fasting, festive clothing and preparing the puja space, the day brings together a range of customs and family observances. Planning the puja arrangements in advance can help families follow their chosen traditions smoothly. Keeping the required items ready and noting the local puja timings are practical ways to prepare for Dhanteras. Whether you are shopping for gold, preparing the Kalash or simply lighting a diya at home, the day offers a chance to slow down, express gratitude and welcome prosperity with a peaceful heart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When is Dhanteras 2026 being celebrated?
A1. Dhanteras 2026 will be celebrated on Friday, November 6, marking the beginning of Diwali festivities in Gujarat.
Q2. What are the Dhanteras puja timings in Surat and Ahmedabad for 2026?
A2. The Surat puja muhurat is from 6:32 PM to 8:31 PM, and the Ahmedabad puja muhurat is from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM on November 6, 2026.
Q3. What are the fasting rules for Dhanteras 2026?
A3. Devotees observing Pradosh Vrat fast until the evening puja and typically follow a Phalahar diet of milk, water, nuts and fresh fruits during the day. The fast is broken with a pure vegetarian festive meal after the evening Lakshmi-Kuber and Dhanvantari pujas.
Q4. Which colours should be worn on Dhanteras and which should be avoided?
A4. Gold, bright yellow, mustard, vibrant red and royal pink are suggested festive colours. Black and dark grey are traditionally avoided on puja days during Diwali week.
Q5. What are the steps for Dhanteras puja vidhi?
A5. The steps include cleansing and preparing the puja space with a wooden chowki covered in red or yellow cloth, arranging the deities with Lord Ganesha to the left of Goddess Lakshmi, setting up the Kalash with water, coin, supari, turmeric and mango leaves, and preparing offerings including newly purchased gold, silver or utensils, coriander seeds and a lit ghee lamp.