Dhanteras 2026: 7 things people avoid buying, and what to buy instead before 6 November

Before you rush to the market, here is something most shoppers never stop to ask: why do so many Indian families buy some things on Dhanteras and carefully avoid others? Dhanteras 2026 falls on Friday, 6 November, and it opens the five-day Diwali festival. This guide covers the muhurat, what to buy, what many families skip, and how to stay within budget.

Dhanteras 2026 at a glance

• Date: Friday, 6 November 2026
• Trayodashi tithi: from about 10:30 AM on 6 November to about 10:47 AM on 7 November
• Puja muhurat, Delhi: about 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM in most listings (some sites give 6:17 PM to 8:15 PM)
• Mumbai: about 6:35 PM to 8:34 PM
• Kolkata: about 5:28 PM to 7:26 PM
• Chennai: about 6:15 PM to 8:09 PM

Panchangs differ by a few minutes, and timing changes by city. Please confirm with a local panchang or your family priest.

Why is Dhanteras celebrated?

The word combines dhan (wealth) and teras (the thirteenth lunar day). Devotees worship Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician linked with health, along with Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber. Many families also light a lamp for Yama outside the home in the evening, a custom known as Yam Deepam. So the day is about health and protection as much as about money.

What people traditionally buy

• Gold and silver: coins and small jewellery are popular.
• Brass and copper utensils: new vessels are a long-standing custom.
• Broom: linked in popular belief with sweeping away poverty and welcoming Lakshmi.
• Dhania (coriander seeds): a small, low-cost custom in many homes.
• Lakshmi-Ganesh idols: for the Diwali puja.
• Electronics and vehicles: a modern addition, as families use festive offers.

7 things many families avoid buying

These are traditions and popular beliefs, not rules, and they differ from family to family. Nothing bad is known to follow if you ignore them.

1. Iron items: many avoid iron on this day, by custom.
2. Sharp objects: knives and scissors are often skipped.
3. Black clothes or items: many prefer bright colours for a festive day.
4. Glass: some avoid it because it breaks easily.
5. Plastic utensils: metal is preferred for the custom of buying new vessels.
6. Oil or ghee in bulk: some families buy it earlier instead.
7. Empty vessels: many put a little sweet, rice or water in a new utensil before bringing it home.

Smart buying tips that save real money

• Set a budget first. A small silver coin honours the custom as well as an expensive purchase.
• Compare prices: check two or three shops; discounts are often on making charges, not on metal.
• Keep the bill: it is essential for returns, exchange and warranty.
• Beware of no-cost EMI: read the fine print on processing fees.
• Avoid rushing at closing time: shops are crowded in the evening, so errors are more likely.

If you are buying jewellery, read our guide to gold buying mistakes this Dhanteras before you go, and check the latest gold price update.

A simple Dhanteras puja at home

1. Clean the home and the entrance, and make a small rangoli.
2. Set up images of Dhanvantari, Lakshmi, Ganesh and Kuber.
3. Light a diya, and offer flowers, rice and sweets.
4. Place your new purchases near the altar during the puja.
5. Light a lamp outside the home in the evening.

Frequently asked questions

When is Dhanteras in 2026?

Friday, 6 November 2026.

What is the best time to buy gold on Dhanteras?

Many follow the puja muhurat or a shubh choghadiya shown in a local panchang. Shops stay open through the day, so pick a time that suits you.

Is it unlucky to buy nothing?

No. Buying is a custom, not a requirement. Many people simply light a diya and do a small puja.

Can I buy a broom on Dhanteras?

Yes. Many families consider it a good custom, and it costs very little.

Questions to think about

• Has Dhanteras become more about shopping than its original meaning of health and well-being?
• Which family custom do you follow even if you cannot explain why?
• Would you rather buy gold, or invest the same money?

Sources: published panchang listings including Dharmayana, Astrozindagi and Narayan Seva. Customs vary by region and family. Confirm timings locally.