Buying gold on Dhanteras is a tradition in most Indian homes. This year, though, it will cost a lot more. Dhanteras 2026 falls on Friday, November 6, and with 24-carat gold trading close to ₹1.5 lakh per 10 grams, a little planning can save you thousands.
Dhanteras 2026 date and muhurat
Dhanteras: Friday, November 6, 2026 (Trayodashi of Krishna Paksha in Kartik month)
Diwali (Lakshmi Puja): Sunday, November 8, 2026
The festive week continues with Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj till November 10.
The puja muhurat timing varies from one panchang to another. One commonly listed window in New Delhi is 6:02 pm to 7:57 pm, while others say 6:17 pm to 8:15 pm. Check with your local temple or panchang before you plan.
What is the gold rate right now?
In mid-October, 24-carat gold in Delhi was trading at around ₹15,157 per gram, or about ₹1.51 lakh per 10 grams, according to Policybazaar. 22-carat gold, which most jewellery is made of, was at about ₹1.39 lakh per 10 grams before taxes, according to Goodreturns.
Prices change every day, so check the rate on the day you buy. We wrote earlier about what to do with your savings when gold hits record highs.
How much will 10 grams of gold jewellery really cost?
The gold rate is only part of the bill. Here’s an example for 10 grams of 22-carat jewellery, assuming the jeweller charges 10% for making:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Gold (10g, 22K) | ₹1,38,800 |
| Making charges (10%) | ₹13,880 |
| GST on gold (3%) | ₹4,164 |
| GST on making charges (5%) | ₹694 |
| Total | ₹1,57,538 |
That’s nearly ₹19,000 more than the gold itself. Making charges vary a lot between jewellers, so this is where you can save the most.
7 tips to buy gold smartly this Dhanteras
1. Always ask for the hallmark. BIS-hallmarked jewellery carries a 6-character HUID code that you can verify.
2. Bargain on making charges. Jewellers rarely move on the gold rate, but making charges are often negotiable. Compare at least three shops.
3. Ask about buyback. Find out how much you’ll get if you sell or exchange the piece later, and what will be deducted.
4. Get a proper bill that lists the weight, purity, rate, making charges and taxes separately.
5. Pay digitally. UPI, card or bank transfer gives you a clean record if there’s ever a dispute.
6. Buying as an investment? Pick coins or bars. They come with much lower making charges than jewellery.
7. Consider gold ETFs or gold mutual funds. No making charges and no locker worries. Be careful with “digital gold” apps, though: SEBI has cautioned that these products are not regulated by it.
Quick answers
When is Dhanteras in 2026? Friday, November 6.
When is Diwali in 2026? Sunday, November 8.
Is it a good time to buy gold? Prices are near record highs. If you’re buying for tradition, buy a small amount. If you’re investing, spread your purchases over a few weeks instead of buying everything at once.
Planning your full festive spending? Read our Diwali shopping budget guide.
Gold prices as reported by Policybazaar, Goodreturns and Business Today in mid-October 2026. This is not investment advice.
