Dhanteras on Nov 6: four auspicious windows to buy gold and silver, Lakshmi-Kubera puja from 6.35 pm

Diwali is almost here. Homes are being cleaned and the rush to the markets has begun. The five-day festival begins with Dhanteras, which this year falls on Friday, November 6, 2026.

Buying gold, silver and new utensils on this day is considered highly auspicious, and jewellers' shops see heavy crowds. The questions are which is the right muhurat to buy gold and when to perform the Lakshmi-Kubera puja.

According to the panchang, Dhanteras falls on the Trayodashi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. This time the Trayodashi tithi begins at 10.30 am on November 6 and ends at 10.47 am on November 7. As the puja is performed during Pradosh Kaal, Dhanteras will be observed on November 6.

There are several good muhurats on November 6 for buying gold. Purchases can be made at any of them, whichever suits the buyer. The panchang of each city can differ by 2 to 5 minutes, so the timings should be checked against the local panchang.

The first muhurat is in the Amrit Choghadiya, from 10.31 am to 10.53 am, described as the best. The second is in the Shubh Choghadiya, from 12.18 pm to 1.43 pm. The third is in the Chal Choghadiya, from 4.34 pm to 6 pm. The fourth is in the Labh Choghadiya, from 9.09 pm to 10.44 pm. Buying gold, silver, utensils or any major item in these four windows is considered auspicious.

The puja is as important as the shopping. On Dhanteras, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera and Lord Dhanvantari are worshipped. According to the panchang, the auspicious time for the puja is from 6.35 pm to 8.35 pm. Pradosh Kaal and Vrishabha Kaal coincide during this period, so it is considered the best time for the puja.

An old legend explains why gold is bought on this day. Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the churning of the ocean, and Dhanvantari held a pot of amrit. This is why the tradition of buying new utensils and metal items began. It is said that buying gold and silver on Dhanteras brings Lakshmi into the home and keeps prosperity going. People especially buy silver coins, idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha, gold jewellery and new utensils, and worship them later at the time of Lakshmi Puja.

Those going out to buy gold at a muhurat should also take some care to avoid being cheated. Check whether the jewellery carries a BIS hallmark, its carat and whether it has a HUID number. When buying silver, too, get firm information on its purity. Do not forget to take a proper bill, and ask beforehand how much making charge and GST have been levied.

Dhanteras this time is on Friday, November 6. There are four good muhurats in the day for buying gold and silver, and the puja muhurat is from 6.35 pm to 8.35 pm. Buyers are advised to plan ahead, avoid rushing in the crowds and confirm the timings with their city's panchang before shopping.