Dhanteras 2026 is on Friday, 6 November. Trayodashi tithi runs from 10:30 AM on 6 November to 10:47 AM on 7 November, and the Dhanteras puja muhurat in New Delhi is 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM (Kolkata 5:28 PM to 7:26 PM, Mumbai 6:35 PM to 8:35 PM), as per Drik Panchang.
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People traditionally buy gold, silver, coins, steel or brass utensils, and increasingly electronics and vehicles. If you buy gold, check the BIS hallmark and HUID, and know that digital gold is not regulated by SEBI.
| Detail | Dhanteras 2026 |
|---|---|
| Date | Friday, 6 November 2026 |
| Trayodashi tithi | 10:30 AM, 6 November to 10:47 AM, 7 November |
| Puja muhurat, New Delhi | 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM (Pradosh Kaal 5:33 PM to 8:09 PM) |
| Puja muhurat, Kolkata | 5:28 PM to 7:26 PM (Pradosh Kaal 4:56 PM to 7:30 PM) |
| Puja muhurat, Mumbai | 6:35 PM to 8:35 PM (Pradosh Kaal 6:03 PM to 8:35 PM) |
| Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) | Sunday, 8 November 2026 |
| GST on gold and silver | 3% on metal value, 5% on making charges |
Dhanteras is the first day of the Diwali festival, and the biggest day of the year for buying gold and silver in many homes. This guide covers the date and timing, what people buy, how to buy a gold coin safely, and which online and store offers to look for.
Dhanteras 2026 date and muhurat
Dhanteras falls on Trayodashi, the 13th lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik (Ashwin in the amanta calendar). In 2026, Drik Panchang lists it on Friday, 6 November. Diwali follows two days later, on Sunday 8 November.
The puja is done in the evening during Pradosh Kaal, ideally when Vrishabha Kaal (a fixed lagna) is running. Timings change by city because sunset changes. Here are the Drik Panchang timings for three cities:
- New Delhi: 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM, about 1 hour 56 minutes
- Kolkata: 5:28 PM to 7:26 PM, about 1 hour 58 minutes
- Mumbai: 6:35 PM to 8:35 PM, about 2 hours
For shopping, many families prefer to buy once Trayodashi has begun, which is 10:30 AM on 6 November. Customs differ by region and family, so check with your family priest or local panchang. If you are ordering online, plan delivery before the day rather than relying on same-day delivery during the rush.
What Indians traditionally buy on Dhanteras
The word “dhan” means wealth. Buying something of lasting value on this day is seen as inviting prosperity into the home. Common choices:
- Gold: coins, small bars or jewellery. Coins with Lakshmi or Lakshmi-Ganesh designs are popular.
- Silver: coins, small idols, pooja items and utensils. Silver is a lower-cost option for many families.
- Utensils: steel or brass vessels, a new kadai, plates or a pressure cooker.
- Broom: many homes buy a new jhadu, a low-cost tradition linked to cleaning out poverty.
- Electronics and appliances: TVs, fridges, washing machines and phones, timed with festive sales.
- Vehicles: scooters, bikes and cars, often booked in advance for Dhanteras delivery.
Online demand shows this clearly. In Amazon’s report on its 2025 Diwali Special phase in Telangana, silver coins were up 15 times year on year and precious jewellery 2 times.
How to buy a gold coin safely: online or jeweller
Check the hallmark
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) hallmark now has three marks: the BIS logo, the purity (caratage and fineness, such as 22K916), and a six-digit alphanumeric HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification) number. Since 1 April 2023, gold jewellery and artefacts cannot be sold without the six-digit HUID. Gold purity grades allowed are 14K (585), 18K (750), 20K (833), 22K (916), 23K (958) and 24K (995).
You can check any HUID in the free BIS CARE app using “Verify HUID”. If a hallmarked item tests below its marked purity at a BIS-recognised centre, BIS rules say the buyer gets compensation of two times the difference plus testing charges.
Gold coins and bars were not under the same mandatory hallmarking rule as jewellery when the HUID rule began. Always ask for the purity (usually 24K, 999 or 995), the refiner’s name and a proper invoice, and prefer hallmarked coins with HUID where available.
Jeweller vs online
| Point | Local jeweller | Amazon, Flipkart or brand site |
|---|---|---|
| Price check | See and weigh the coin; ask the day’s rate | Compare per-gram price with the day’s rate; coins often carry a premium |
| Making or minting charge | Usually lower on coins than jewellery; ask | Built into the price |
| Bank offers | Sometimes card EMI or cashback | Check if coins are on the eligible list; do not assume |
| Selling back later | Many buy back, with deductions | Usually no buyback; you sell to a jeweller |
| Risk | Low if the shop is known | Buy only from the brand’s official store or a known seller; check the seller name |
Do the GST maths
GST stayed at 3% on gold and silver after the GST changes of September 2025, with 5% on making charges. Upstox’s example for 10 g of jewellery at an example rate of ₹10,650 a gram: gold value ₹1,06,500, GST ₹3,195; making charges at 10% are ₹10,650, GST on that ₹532.50; total ₹1,20,877.50. A coin with low making charges loses less when you sell it, because the buyer pays you for the gold, not the making.
The digital gold caveat
Many apps sell “digital gold” from ₹1. On 8 November 2025, SEBI cautioned that digital gold and e-gold products sold on some platforms are not recognised as securities or regulated commodity derivatives, and that securities market investor protection does not cover them. If you want gold as an investment and not as a Dhanteras ritual purchase, SEBI-regulated options like gold ETFs or gold mutual funds are the safer route. Physical coin or jewellery from a trusted seller is the traditional choice.
Buying silver
Silver hallmarking with HUID started on a voluntary basis on 1 September 2025. The new mark has three parts: the BIS mark with the word SILVER, the purity grade, and the HUID. Grades are 800, 835, 925, 958, 970, 990 and 999. Because it is voluntary, many silver items still carry no HUID. Ask for it, and verify it in the BIS CARE app if present. Sterling silver jewellery is 925; coins are usually 999.
Dhanteras offers: banks, online sales and stores
Dhanteras 2026 falls in the middle of the festive sale season. Here is what to expect, based on past years:
- Amazon: the later phase of the Great Indian Festival usually runs up to Diwali, with 10% offers on banks other than SBI. In 2025 that was Axis, RBL, IDFC First and Bank of Baroda. See Amazon Extra Happiness Days 2026.
- Flipkart: a Diwali sale with a fresh bank partner is expected in late October. See Flipkart Big Diwali Sale 2026.
- Electronics chains: Croma and Reliance Digital run Diwali offers with bank discounts and EMI. See our Croma and Reliance Digital guide.
- Jewellers: big chains often advertise lower making charges or gold rate protection around Dhanteras. Read the terms: the discount is usually on making charges, not on the gold.
For appliances, our best AC, fridge and washing machine deals for Diwali 2026 lists what to buy and the right card. All Diwali sales are on our Diwali sale 2026 page.
Worked example: a fridge for Dhanteras
A ₹32,000 fridge with a 10% bank offer capped at ₹2,000 (an example cap) costs ₹30,000. On no cost EMI over 6 months, that is ₹5,000 a month, but check for a processing fee and GST on the interest part. Our no cost EMI explainer shows how. Order at least 7 to 10 days early so delivery and installation happen before 6 November.
Common Dhanteras mistakes
- Buying gold without a bill. Always get a GST invoice showing weight, purity, rate and HUID.
- Ignoring the per-gram price. A “discount” on a coin can still be above the day’s rate.
- Clicking WhatsApp “Dhanteras gold offer” links. Fake offers peak now; read our festive scam guide.
- Leaving delivery to the last day. Courier networks are busiest in Diwali week.
Questions people ask
When is Dhanteras in 2026?
Dhanteras 2026 is on Friday, 6 November, as per Drik Panchang. Diwali is on Sunday, 8 November.
What is the Dhanteras puja muhurat in 2026?
In New Delhi it is 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM on 6 November. In Kolkata it is 5:28 PM to 7:26 PM and in Mumbai 6:35 PM to 8:35 PM. Timings vary by city.
What should I buy on Dhanteras 2026?
Gold or silver coins, jewellery, steel or brass utensils and a new broom are traditional. Many people also buy appliances, phones and vehicles during the festive sales.
Is it safe to buy gold coins on Amazon or Flipkart?
It can be, if you buy from the brand’s official store or a well-known seller, check the purity and hallmark, and keep the GST invoice. Compare the per-gram price with the day’s rate, and remember online coins are usually not bought back by the seller.
Is digital gold safe to buy on Dhanteras?
SEBI said in November 2025 that digital gold sold on some platforms is not a regulated security, so investor protection does not cover it. Gold ETFs and gold mutual funds are SEBI-regulated alternatives.
How do I check if gold is hallmarked?
Look for three marks: the BIS logo, the purity (such as 22K916) and a six-digit HUID. Enter the HUID in the BIS CARE app under “Verify HUID” to check it.
Sources
- Drik Panchang: Dhanteras 2026, New Delhi
- Drik Panchang: Dhanteras 2026, Kolkata
- Drik Panchang: Dhanteras 2026, Mumbai
- BIS: Hallmarking FAQ
- BIS: Hallmarking consumer protection
- Business Standard: Sale without 6-digit HUID prohibited from 1 April 2023
- PIB: Voluntary HUID-based silver hallmarking from 1 September 2025
- Upstox: GST on gold and silver jewellery after GST 2.0
- All India Radio News: SEBI warns on unregulated digital gold (8 November 2025)
- The Hans India: Amazon Diwali Special and silver coin demand (2025)