The festival of Dhanteras officially marks the beginning of 5 days Diwali celebrations across India and among global communities. The dates and timings of Dhanteras or to say Diwali is decided by astronomical schedules published by Drik Panchang in Hindusim. This year according to the Panchang Dhanteras falls on Friday November 6, 2026.
Millions of families welcome good fortune and health into their homes on this opening day of the winter festive season.
So if you are planning major investments or organising annual family prayers then keeping track of exact timings ensures your seasonal preparations stay well ahead of the rush.
When is Dhanteras and Chhoti Diwali in 2026?
The festive week of Diwali 2026 begins in the first week of November. Dhanteras starts the shopping and cleaning frenzy. And the main illumination night arrives two days later.
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| Festival Occasion | Day and Date |
| Dhanteras | Friday, November 6, 2026 |
| Chhoti Diwali | Saturday, November 7, 2026 |
|
Diwali
(Lakshmi Puja)
|
Sunday, November 8, 2026 |
| Govardhan Puja | Monday, November 9, 2026 |
| Bhai Dooj | Wednesday, November 11, 2026 |
What are City-Wise Prayer and Shopping Timings for Dhanteras 2026?
The sunset times vary from east to west across India. So evening prayer windows for Dhanteras 2026 shift slightly depending on your location.
The ideal window for evening lamps generally spans two hours after dusk.
- New Delhi and NCR: 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM
- Mumbai and Pune: 6:32 PM to 8:35 PM
- Bengaluru and Chennai: 6:14 PM to 8:20 PM
- Kolkata: 5:28 PM to 7:26 PM
- Ahmedabad and Jaipur: 6:11 PM to 8:28 PM
For shoppers buying gold, silver coins, or brass utensils on Diwali the buying window opens on the morning of Friday, November 6. And it continues through mid-morning on Saturday November 7 which gives markets a busy trade weekend.
What is Dhanteras Meaning in English?
Dhanteras in very simple terms translates to the celebration of ‘wealth on the thirteenth day.’ The word combines Dhan which means wealth or prosperity with Teras that marks the thirteenth lunar day of the dark fortnight in the ancient lunar calendar.
Why is Dhanteras Celebrated ahead of Diwali?
The Hindu tradition honors Lord Dhanvantari who is the patron deity of medicine and healing on Dhanteras. He emerged during the cosmic churning of the oceans carrying a pot of restorative nectar as mentioned in the Bhagavata Purana (Canto 8, Chapter 8).
Families celebrate this occasion to invite both physical well being and material stability into their households before the lights of Diwali illuminate the night.