Dhanteras: dates, muhurat and meaning.
The next Dhanteras is on Friday, 6 November 2026. The date is computed from the classical panchang for Delhi (rule: krishna trayodashi tithi prevailing at sunset). Below are the Dhanteras dates for 2026 and 2027, the day's shubh muhurat windows, and what the festival celebrates.
Dhanteras dates
What is Dhanteras?
The thirteenth tithi of the dark half would ordinarily be inauspicious — but Dhanteras redeems it: the samudra manthan brought forth Dhanvantari with the amrita, and buying new metal on the day is the year's most observed purchasing custom.
The evening Yama deepam — a lamp lit outside the door for the god of death — is the day's protective rite, and the bazaars stay open past midnight for the buying rush.
Muhurat on Dhanteras
Purchases are classically timed to the day's shubh spans — the Abhijit Muhurat above for the day, and the evening pradosh for the Lakshmi-Yama puja. Vehicle and property bookings timed to Dhanteras should still clear the day's Rahu Kaal.
| Window — 6 November 2026 | Time (IST) |
|---|---|
| Abhijit Muhurat (shubh for all works) | 11:43 AM – 12:26 PM |