Dhanteras on November 6: Gifts many avoid giving, from empty vessels and salt to knives and glass

Dhanteras falls on November 6, 2026 this year. Dhanatrayodashi is the first day of Diwali and is regarded as a festival of wealth, happiness and progress. Goddess Lakshmi, Kubera and Lord Dhanvantari are worshipped on the day. Buying gold, silver and new utensils is considered highly auspicious, so markets are crowded. Many people also want to exchange gifts on this day. Elders say a few things need to be kept in mind while giving gifts.

The first is empty vessels or empty purses. On Dhanatrayodashi everyone buys brass, copper and steel utensils, but an empty vessel should not be given as a gift. Put some rice, a laddu or something else in it. A purse given as a gift should not be empty either; put at least Rs 11 or Rs 5 in it. Giving something empty is considered inauspicious, and it is said that giving something filled keeps the household prosperous.

The second is salt. Salt is of great importance in a home and is regarded as a sign of its prosperity. So during Dhanatrayodashi or the Diwali days, salt is neither given to anyone nor borrowed from anyone. It is believed that this makes the household's Lakshmi depart.

The third is black-coloured items. In some households, giving a black item as a Diwali gift is not considered right. Some people do not like the colour black, and it jars on a festival day. This does not mean giving black items is barred everywhere; it is a matter for each household. So while choosing a gift, consider what the recipient likes and what the custom is in your own home.

The fourth is sharp objects. Many people avoid giving items such as knives, scissors and cutting blades as gifts on a festival day. It is said that giving a sharp object brings distance and quarrels into a relationship. This is an old belief, and if your household has such a rule, do follow it.

The fifth is glass items. In astrology, glass is linked to the planet Rahu, which is described as a planet that brings obstacles and confusion. For this reason, many people also avoid buying or gifting items such as glass jars, mirrors or glass showpieces on Dhanatrayodashi.

The sixth is the exchange of oil and ghee. Oil and ghee are used in worship and are also needed to light lamps. The scriptures say that on this day, instead of giving or taking oil or ghee, it is better to bring and keep it ready beforehand for worship in one's own home.

So what should one give? The purpose of gifting on Dhanatrayodashi is one: to share joy and strengthen relationships. One can give something simple, such as sweets, fruit, items for worship or a good article useful in the home. Most important, how expensive a gift is matters less than how much love and respect you feel while giving it. Every village and every household has its own tradition; respect that as well, and only then choose a gift.