Festival guide
Dhanteras
Dhanteras, the thirteenth day of the dark half of Kartika (purnimanta), opens the five days of Diwali.
Dhanteras dates
| Year | Date | Tithi and its timings |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Friday 6 November | Ashwin Krishna Trayodashi 6 Nov, 10:31 → 7 Nov, 10:48 |
| 2027 | Wednesday 27 October | Ashwin Krishna Trayodashi 27 Oct, 01:04 → 27 Oct, 22:50 |
Dates for New Delhi, India; times in Asia/Kolkata. Observed by the rule: tithi in the evening (pradosh).
Also known as: Dhanatrayodashi, Dhanvantari Jayanti.
Story and significance
Dhanvantari, physician of the gods, is said to have emerged from the churning of the ocean on this day holding a pot of nectar. Another tale tells of a prince saved from death by his wife’s lamps and gold piled at the door, which dazzled Yama.
How Dhanteras is celebrated
- Buying gold, silver or new utensils
- Lakshmi and Kubera puja in the evening
- Lighting a lamp facing south for Yama (Yama deepam)
- Cleaning and decorating the home for Diwali
Recite on Dhanteras: Lakshmi Aarti — Om Jai Lakshmi Mata
Customs vary between regions, communities and families. Please follow the guidance of your family priest or local temple for rituals and timings.
Frequently asked questions
When is Dhanteras 2026?
Dhanteras 2026 falls on Friday, 6 November 2026, for New Delhi. Choose your city above to see the date for your location.
When is Dhanteras 2027?
Dhanteras 2027 falls on Wednesday, 27 October 2027, for New Delhi. Choose your city above to see the date for your location.
Why does the date of Dhanteras change every year?
Dhanteras is fixed by the lunar calendar — the Krishna Paksha tithi 13 of Ashwin (amanta calendar) — not the Gregorian calendar. Lunar months drift against solar dates, so the festival moves by up to a few weeks from year to year.
Can Dhanteras fall on different dates in India and abroad?
Yes. The rule depends on the tithi at a particular time of day at your location, so a tithi that begins just before sunrise in India may begin after sunrise in North America, moving the observance by a day.