Dhanteras 2026: What to Buy for Your Rashi, and What to Avoid

7 min read

Dhanteras falls on Friday, 6 November 2026, and opens the five days of Diwali. Buying something new in metal on this day is believed to multiply prosperity through the year. Here are the puja and shopping times, the metal suited to each of the 12 rashis, and the items tradition says to leave on the shelf.

Dhanteras 2026 date and puja muhurat

Dhanteras: Friday, 6 November 2026
Trayodashi tithi: 10:30 AM, 6 Nov to 10:47 AM, 7 Nov
Dhanteras puja muhurat: 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM
Pradosh Kaal: 5:33 PM to 8:09 PM
Yama Deepam: 5:33 PM to 6:51 PM

Best times to shop

The whole Trayodashi window is considered good for buying. Within it, these Choghadiya slots are the most favoured for gold and silver:

6 Nov, afternoon: 12:05 PM to 1:27 PM (Shubh)
6 Nov, before sunset: 4:11 PM to 5:33 PM (Char)
6 Nov, night: 8:49 PM to 10:27 PM (Labh)
7 Nov, morning: 7:59 AM to 9:21 AM (Shubh)

All times are for New Delhi (IST), from Drik Panchang, and agree with AstroSage within a minute. For your city, see today's Choghadiya.

Why metal is bought on Dhanteras

Dhanteras is also Dhanvantari Jayanti. Lord Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods and the source of Ayurveda, rose from the churning of the ocean holding a kalash of amrit. That kalash is said to have been brass, which is one reason metal vessels, and brass in particular, are bought on this day. Lakshmi and Kuber are worshipped in the evening.

A second story explains both the gold and the lamps. King Hima's son was fated to die of snakebite on the fourth night of his marriage. His bride heaped her gold and silver ornaments at the door, lit lamps all around and kept him awake with songs and stories. When Yama arrived as a serpent, he was dazzled by the light, sat on the heap of jewels listening all night, and left at dawn. Hence the custom of buying gold, and of the Yama Deepdaan: a lamp lit at dusk outside the home, facing south.

What to buy on Dhanteras by rashi

Published lists disagree from year to year, so this guide follows the metal of each sign's ruling planet: copper for Mars, silver for Venus and the Moon, bronze for Mercury, gold for the Sun and brass or gold for Jupiter. Use your moon sign, not your Western sun sign.

Aries (Mesh)

Ruled by Mars

Silver utensils or a silver coin are the most common pick. Copper, the metal of Mars, is a good alternative, such as a copper vessel or diya.

Taurus (Vrishabh)

Ruled by Venus

Silver: a silver coin, silver utensils or a silver Lakshmi idol. Venus also rules diamonds, if the budget allows.

Gemini (Mithun)

Ruled by Mercury

A bronze (kansa) utensil or idol. Green, the colour of Mercury, is favoured for clothes.

Cancer (Kark)

Ruled by Moon

Silver, the Moon's metal: a silver glass, a silver coin or a silver Shri Yantra to keep in the safe.

Leo (Simha)

Ruled by Sun

Gold, even a small piece of jewellery or a coin. A copper vessel, also linked to the Sun, is the budget option.

Virgo (Kanya)

Ruled by Mercury

A bronze or brass utensil, or a Shri Yantra. Some astrologers also suggest keeping seven grains (saptadhanya) at home.

Libra (Tula)

Ruled by Venus

Silver ornaments such as payal or bichhiya, or a silver Lakshmi-Ganesh. White clothes suit Venus.

Scorpio (Vrishchik)

Ruled by Mars

A copper vessel or copper diya. Several lists also favour booking property or land, and a new broom is widely suggested for this sign.

Sagittarius (Dhanu)

Ruled by Jupiter

A brass or gold Lakshmi-Ganesh idol for the Diwali puja, or a brass vessel. Yellow clothes and haldi suit Jupiter.

Capricorn (Makar)

Ruled by Saturn

A brass or bronze utensil. Iron is linked to Saturn but is usually avoided on Dhanteras, so donate black sesame instead of buying iron.

Aquarius (Kumbh)

Ruled by Saturn

Silver, the clearest consensus of all twelve signs: silver utensils, especially a water vessel, or a silver coin with Lakshmi-Ganesh.

Pisces (Meen)

Ruled by Jupiter

Gold or brass. A brass vessel filled with water before you bring it home is a traditional choice.

Don't know your moon sign? Find it in seconds with our Moon Sign Calculator.

Auspicious for everyone, and what to avoid

Good to buy

Gold jewellery or coins
Silver coins, ideally with Lakshmi-Ganesh
Brass and copper utensils
A new broom (jhadu), seen as a form of Lakshmi
Whole coriander seeds (sabut dhaniya)
Lakshmi-Ganesh idols for the Diwali puja
Gomti chakra, a conch and new diyas

Traditionally avoided

Iron, linked to Saturn
Aluminium and glass, linked to Rahu
Plastic and ceramic items
Sharp objects such as knives, scissors and needles
Black clothes or black items
Empty vessels: fill a new pot with water, rice or grain before bringing it home

Steel is the one item sources genuinely disagree on; see the FAQ below. Whatever you buy, it is traditionally kept at the puja on Diwali night before it is put to use. Planning the puja itself? Read our Lakshmi Puja vidhi.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Dhanteras in 2026?

Dhanteras is on Friday, 6 November 2026. Trayodashi tithi runs from 10:30 AM on 6 November to 10:47 AM on 7 November, and the puja muhurat in New Delhi is 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM.

Can I shop on the morning of 7 November?

Yes. Trayodashi lasts until 10:47 AM on 7 November, so purchases made before then still fall on Dhanteras. The Shubh Choghadiya that morning is 7:59 AM to 9:21 AM in New Delhi.

Is it bad to buy steel utensils on Dhanteras?

Opinions differ. Several astrologers advise against steel because it is a form of iron, while others list it as acceptable and many families buy it every year. If you want to be safe, choose brass, copper or silver instead.

What can I buy if gold is out of budget?

A small silver coin, a brass utensil, a new broom or a packet of whole coriander are all considered auspicious. The custom is about bringing something new and lasting into the home, not about the amount spent.

Why is a lamp lit for Yama on Dhanteras?

Yama Deepdaan is done at dusk to protect the family from untimely death. A lamp is lit outside the home facing south, the direction of Yama. In New Delhi the 2026 window is 5:33 PM to 6:51 PM.

Is Dhanteras still National Ayurveda Day?

No. Ayurveda Day used to be marked on Dhanteras, but in 2025 the Ministry of Ayush fixed it on 23 September every year. Dhanteras is still Dhanvantari Jayanti.

Want the full day's tithi, nakshatra and timings for your city? Check the Panchang or generate your free Kundli.

Disclaimer: Rashi-wise buying suggestions are traditional beliefs and differ between astrologers. They are shared for general information, not as financial advice; buy within your means. Times are for New Delhi; please confirm with your local panchang.