Dhanteras Puja Vidhi 2026: Step-by-Step Rituals & Muhurat

In the Hindu festival calendar, Diwali holds a special place. It is a grand festival, and celebrations begin to brighten homes in the days leading up to the festival. Diwali is also known as Deepawali; it begins on Dhanteras and ends on Bhaiya Dooj. As Deepawali comes, every home begins to shine with diyas or lights, markets are full of festive shopping, and our families start preparing or cleaning the house for celebrations. But most people think that Dhanteras is just a day to buy something, but the significance of Dhanteras shows that it is more than just a shopping day. It holds deep significance for wealth, health, and prosperity in your life. 

On this day, devotees mainly worship Goddess Lakshmi for abundance, Lord Dhanvantari for health and well-being, and Lord Kubera for wealth and prosperity. So, in this guide, you will know everything about Dhanteras' significance and Dhanteras puja muhurat, timings, and samagri, while keeping your traditional rituals and prayer at the center of the Deepawali celebration. 

What is the Origin of Dhanteras?

In Hindu tradition, there are many stories about the origin of Dhanteras. First, understand the meaning of Dhanteras. It comes from “Dhan,” meaning wealth, and “Teras,” referring to the thirteenth lunar day, because Dhanteras falls on the Trayodashi (13th lunar day) of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. Over time, the day became associated with the goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, as well as Lord Dhanvantari. 

Why We Celebrate Dhanteras: Complete Story of Dhanteras

According to another popular legend, Dhanteras is connected to King Hima’s 16-year-old son. His horoscope (kundali) predicted he would die from a snakebite on the fourth day of his marriage. When the prince's wife learned of this prophecy, she decided to protect him from death. That night, she kept her husband awake, placed numerous lamps, gold and silver ornaments, coins, and diyas around their home, and began telling stories and singing. As a result, the god of death, Yama, came in the form of a snake. The bright lights and glittering ornaments stopped him from entering the palace. He eventually left without taking the prince’s life. This legend is associated with the tradition of lighting a Yam Deepak on Dhanteras. The day is also considered an auspicious time to buy metal utensils and other items, symbolizing protection, prosperity, and well-being. 

Mythological History of Dhanteras

Dhanteras is also known as Dhantrayodashi or Dhanvantari Trayodashi. According to mythology and ancient belief, it is linked with Samudra Manthan, the churning of the cosmic ocean. As per Hindu scriptures, the Devas and asuras churned the ocean to obtain amrit, the divine nectar of immortality. During this event, Lord Dhanvantari, regarded as the divine physician of Ayurveda, emerged carrying a pot of Amrit. This connection gives Dhanteras its strong association with health, longevity, Ayurveda, and well-being. 

Dhanteras Puja Muhurat 2026: Date and Puja Time 

As per Vedic astrology and Hindu tradition, if you start any new beginning or celebrate a festival, choosing a favorable time helps reduce unexpected delays. So, do not forget to check the Dhanteras puja muhurat. In 2026, the deepawali festival falls on November 8, and Dhanteras falls on November 6. The exact Dhanteras Puja Muhurat varies slightly by location, so devotees should follow their local Panchang for the most accurate timing. 

Dhanteras Puja Samagri List

Before starting the Dhanteras puja, you should first collect all the necessary samagri that will be used during the puja. So, having the right Dhanteras Puja Samagri list makes it easier to perform the puja in an organised way. Here is a simple checklist with the purpose of each item:

How to Perform Dhanteras Puja at Home: Step-by-Step Puja Vidhi 

If you are also someone who is wondering how to do Dhanteras puja at home. The ritual does not need to feel complicated, and customs or rituals may differ across different cultures, families, and religions. But this simple Dhanteras puja vidhi covers the commonly followed steps.

Step 1: Clean and Prepare Your Home and Puja Area 

First, start by cleaning your home, especially the entrance or puja space where you plan to perform the ritual. A clean space is traditionally considered a welcoming setting for divine blessings. Then arrange a puja chowki with a fresh cloth and decorate the entrance with rangoli or diyas if desired. 

Step 2: Take a Sankalp

Before starting the Dhanteras puja rituals, sit calmly in front of the deities and take a sankalp (a sincere intention)  for the puja. The sankalp gives the puja a clear spiritual intention rather than making it only a sequence of rituals. Pray for good health, happiness, prosperity, and protection for your family. A simple prayer spoken with faith is enough. 

Step 3: Place the Idols and Set Up the Puja Chowki 

Now, place the idols or images of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kubera, and Lord Dhanvantari on the prepared chowki. Traditionally, Lord Ganesha is placed to the right of Goddess Lakshmi, while Lord Dhanvantari can be placed alongside them. Keep the idols clean and arrange flowers, lamps, offerings, and other Dhanteras Puja Samagri around them.

Step 4: Worship Lord Ganesha First

Traditionally, the Dhanteras Puja Vidhi begins with Lord Ganesha worship. In Hindu traditions, Lord Ganesha is commonly invoked at the beginning of an auspicious moment as the remover of obstacles. After placing the Ganesha idol, offer puja samagari and prayer to seek blessings before moving on to the other deities. 

Step 5: Perform Lakshmi Puja 

Next, worship Goddess Lakshmi, who is associated with wealth, prosperity, and abundance. Apply the kumkum, offer flowers, rice, fruits, and sweets to the deity, then chant the Lakshmi mantra, and perform aarti after completing the offering or bhog. The most important thing is, rather than focusing only on material possessions, to pray for prosperity, stability, and peace in the household. 

Step 6: Worship Lord Dhanvantari or Lord Kubera 

On Dhanteras, devotees worship Lord Ganesha along with Lord Dhanvantari, who is associated with Ayurveda, healing, and good health. Sincere prayers and pure intentions are believed to bring positivity and help you progress in life. As Dhanteras is also considered an auspicious occasion to welcome wealth and prosperity, devotees seek the blessings of Lord Kubera, the Hindu deity associated with wealth and abundance. 

Step 7: Light the Dhanteras Diya: Yam Deep Daan

To honor Lord Yamraj, people light a diya in his honour. In Hindu scriptures (Rigveda), he is known as a god of death and justice, so to seek his blessings and protection. Devotees light an outdoor diya facing south to pray for family well-being, longevity, and protection from untimely death.  

Step 8: Perform Aarti and Offer Prasad

Now it's time to complete the Dhanteras puja vidhi with aarti. Perform the aarti of  Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi and sing relevant prayers while offering the light to the deities. Distribute the prasad among family members and complete the puja with a final prayer for peace, health, and prosperity.

Dhanteras Puja Mantra: Powerful Mantras For Diwali Celebrations

Adding a simple Dhanteras Puja Mantra and aarti to the ritual can help devotees stay focused and prayerful. Each mantra can be chanted while worshipping the respective deity or after completing the main offerings. 

What to buy on Dhanteras? Shopping Idea. 

During the Diwali days, most of the people are confused about what to buy and which sweets to buy, and the most common question is what to buy on Dhanteras. Traditionally, Dhanteras is considered an auspicious day to bring useful or sacred items into the home. So, your main focus should be to buy something meaningful rather than just spending money. 

Gold and Silver 

It is believed that gold and silver are considered pure and auspicious. Buying gold on Dhanteras is a mix of tradition that blends cultural beliefs with smart or sustainable financial planning. You could buy anything like gold coins, jewellery, or silver items because these are often bought as symbols of wealth and stability.

Lakshmi - Ganesh Idols 

The heart of the Diwali celebration is Maa Lakshmi and lord Ganesh. Many families traditionally buy Lakshmi-Ganesh idols on Dhanteras for Deepawali worship. Goddess Lakshmi represents prosperity, while Lord Ganesha is traditionally worshipped for wisdom and the removal of obstacles. For many years, they have traditionally been popular gifts during Diwali or any auspicious occasion. 

New Utensils

If you have to buy something, then choose practical kitchen essentials that your family can use regularly. Even in Hindu scriptures that metal items represent growing fortune and economic stability for the coming years. Traditional metals like brass, copper, and silver are believed to possess purifying qualities that attract positive energy and ward off negativity. For example, you can buy Brass diyas, copper vessels, and other metal items, which are often considered auspicious additions to the home. 

Diya and Spiritual Items 

Every year, Diwali falls on Kartik Amavasya, which is known as the darkest night of the year. According to tradition, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber are believed to bless homes that are clean and brightened up with diyas or lights. A Diya holds deeper significance, as a clay diya symbolizes the five elements of nature: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space. 

Tip: There is no fixed rule that requires an expensive purchase on Dhanteras. A small, meaningful, and useful item can carry the same personal significance when bought with gratitude and good intentions.

Dhanteras Puja Dos and Don'ts

Following a few simple Dhanteras Puja Dos and Don'ts can help keep the ritual organised, respectful, and meaningful. While customs vary between families and regions, these general practices can make the puja easier to follow. 

Conclusion 

Dhanteras is more than a day for festive shopping. It is a time to welcome prosperity, good health, gratitude, and new beginnings into the home. From cleaning the puja space and lighting the Dhanteras diya to worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Dhanvantari, and Lord Kubera, each ritual carries its own meaning.

You do not need elaborate preparations to make Dhanteras Puja meaningful. A clean space, sincere prayers, and faith in the tradition are what matter most. Celebrate the festival with gratitude and let its spirit of hope and prosperity guide the beginning of Diwali.

Dhanteras Puja FAQs