Astha SangrahASTHA SANGRAHhttps://asthasangrah.comDhanteras 2026 on 6 November: Puja Muhurat 6:02 to 7:57 PM and Yama Deepdan
Dhanteras is on Friday, 6 November 2026. The muhurat for Dhanvantari, Kuber and Lakshmi puja is 6:02 to 7:57 PM, and the Yama deepdan is done in Pradosh Kaal, 5:33 to 8:09 PM (New Delhi).
- Dhanteras
- Friday, 6 November 2026
- Puja muhurat
- 6:02 to 7:57 PM
- Pradosh Kaal
- 5:33 to 8:09 PM
- Vrishabha Kaal
- 6:02 to 7:57 PM
- Trayodashi tithi
- 10:30 AM, 6 November to 10:47 AM, 7 November
How the days line up this year
This year Rama Ekadashi falls just before Dhanteras, with its parana on the morning of 6 November, and Trayodashi begins at 10:30 AM that same day and lasts through the evening Pradosh. So Dhanteras is on 6 November. The same evening is also Shukra Pradosh. Kali Chaudas and Hanuman Puja follow on 7 November, and on 8 November Choti Diwali and the main Diwali fall together.
Why the muhurat starts at 6:02 PM
The Dhanteras puja is done in Pradosh Kaal, roughly two and a half hours after sunset. Within it, Vrishabha lagna, a fixed (sthir) lagna, is considered best, since it is believed that worship in a fixed lagna makes Lakshmi stay in the home. This year Vrishabha lagna runs from 6:02 to 7:57 PM, so that is the main muhurat. The Yama deepdan can be done any time in Pradosh Kaal, 5:33 to 8:09 PM.
Yama deepdan
On Dhanteras evening a four-wicked lamp of dough or clay is lit outside the main door, facing south. This is the lamp offered to Yama, and it is believed to keep the family safe from untimely death. In its story, the bride of King Hima's son, whose death was foretold for the fourth night of the marriage, stays awake all night with lamps and a heap of jewellery at the door, and Yama, coming as a serpent, cannot enter because of the glow.
Mrityuna pashadandabhyam kalena shyamaya saha,Trayodashyam deepadanat suryajah priyatam iti.
मृत्युना पाशदण्डाभ्यां कालेन श्यामया सह। त्रयोदश्यां दीपदानात् सूर्यजः प्रीयतामिति॥
Dhanvantari Jayanti
Dhanteras is also Dhanvantari Jayanti. It is believed that on this tithi, during the churning of the ocean, Lord Dhanvantari rose holding the pot of amrit. He is revered as the god of Ayurveda, so good health is prayed for along with wealth. Ayurvedic vaidyas and physicians worship Dhanvantari with special devotion on this day.
When to shop
By custom, Dhanteras shopping is done during Trayodashi tithi, which runs from 10:30 AM on 6 November to 10:47 AM on 7 November. So the whole of 6 November, from late morning into the night, works for buying. Gold, silver, brass or copper vessels, a broom and whole coriander are traditional; don't bring a vessel home empty, put some grain or sweets in it first.
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Your questions
Can I buy iron or steel on Dhanteras?
Folk belief holds that buying iron on Dhanteras is not auspicious, so most people choose brass, copper, silver or gold. Steel utensils are widely bought today; follow your family's custom.
How many Yama lamps, and where?
One four-wicked lamp with mustard oil is lit outside the main door, facing south. Some homes light thirteen lamps. Custom says you don't look back at the lamp once it is lit.
What if the puja muhurat is missed?
The main muhurat is 6:02 to 7:57 PM, but the whole Pradosh Kaal until 8:09 PM is auspicious. Trayodashi lasts until the next morning, so if you're late, still do the puja with devotion.
Dates and times checked against Drik Panchang and our own panchang, for New Delhi.
