Dhanteras, which marks the first day of the five-day festival of Diwali, will be observed on Friday, November 6, 2026, throughout India. Dhanteras, which is also known as Dhanatrayodashi or Dhanvantari Trayodashi, is considered to be an auspicious occasion to purchase gold, silver and utensils and also to pay respect to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera. Diwali will fall on Sunday, November 8.
According to India TV News, the Trayodashi tithi will start from 10:30 a.m. on November 6 and will end at 10:47 a.m. on November 7. Since Dhanteras is marked based on the Udaya Tithi, the Dhanteras festival will take place on November 6, rather than November 7.
The favorable timings for Lakshmi Kubera Puja are as follows:
Lakshmi Kubera Puja timing on Dhanteras: 6:02 p.m. to 7:57 p.m.
Pradosh Kaal: 5:33 p.m. to 8:09 p.m.
Vrishabh Kaal: 6:02 p.m. to 7:57 p.m.
The timings from other sources of Panchang differ slightly as there is difference in timings from place to place. The people should check the timings according to the panchang or from the priest for their particular place.
According to India TV, the most favorable timing to buy gold starts from 10:30 a.m. on 6 November and lasts up to 6:37 a.m. on 7 November.
The astrologers also advise the timings of evening Vrishabha Kaal to buy and perform puja. Many people visit the jeweler in the evening or in the afternoon and some like to buy the small things in the morning.
A sharp increase in prices is being seen in the run-up to the festive season. The All India Sarafa Association states that gold with purity level of 99.9% in Delhi:
November 3, Tuesday: Closed at Rs 1,41,800 per 10 grams.
November 4, Wednesday: Up by Rs 4,800 to Rs 1,46,600.
November 5, Thursday: Up by Rs 2,200 to Rs 1,48,800.
Silver was up by Rs 9,000 to Rs 1.93 lakh per kg on
Wednesday and by Rs 1,500 to Rs 1,94,500 per kg on Thursday. All amounts mentioned above are inclusive of taxes. Analysts, including Saumil Gandhi of HDFC Securities, attributed the hike to improvement in international market conditions along with increased festive demand. Global spot gold price was around
$4,125 per ounce.
Different figures were quoted in other publications, for example, Rs 1,42,960 for 24 carat gold in Delhi, owing to differences in rates depending on source, city, and jeweler.
Both gold and silver are significantly pricier than they were last year when gold stood at Rs 1,32,400 per 10 grams and silver at Rs 1,70,000 per kilogram, according to reports by IBTimes India.
This indicates that gold is 12% more expensive than last year. It was also reported by PTI that the gold demand in India decreased by 29% during the July to September 2026 quarter due to high prices. Nevertheless, jewelers say that sales on festivals will increase by 20%-30%
This festival is dedicated to Dhanvantari, the physician of gods and Ayurveda's God, who is said to have come out during the ocean's churning.
This day also involves worshiping Lakshmi, the God of Wealth and Kubera, the God of Treasure. Households decorate their houses with rangoli and light lamps. There is also a lamp lit in the evening for Yama, the God of Death, which is called Yama Deepam.
Gold and silver are the most traditional investments, ranging from coins to jewellery and bars. But those who think that precious metals are expensive enough have an alternative list of eight options compiled by India TV.
Popular choices among the people are brass/steel utensils, new broom and coriander seeds. Astrologists advise consumers to refrain from impulse buying and ponder whether it will add any value to their possessions, as per Jyotish Dham.
Some useful tips for those willing to make a gold investment are:
Price check: See what is the rate and making charges of the day.
Hallmark: Purchase only BIS-hallmarked jewellery and obtain a bill from the shop.
Other choices: There are digital gold, gold ETFs and sovereign products as investment vehicles, but not as part of the ritual.
Budget: Make an estimate beforehand, as gold is being traded at record prices.
Disclaimer: This article is meant for information purpose only.
The festivities continue with Choti Diwali on Saturday, Diwali and Lakshmi Puja on Sunday, November 8. The stock market Muhurat Trading session takes place between 2:20 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Diwali day, as per redBus. Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj come later on.
