Dhanteras 2026 falls on Friday, November 6, with evening puja timings varying across international cities. Families in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia and Dubai can celebrate with prayers, diyas and traditional purchases.
Dhanteras 2026 Date And Significance
Dhanteras 2026 will be observed on Friday, November 6, in the cities listed below. Also known as Dhantrayodashi, the festival marks the beginning of the traditional Diwali celebrations and is associated with prayers for prosperity, wellbeing and protection.
The occasion falls on Krishna Paksha Trayodashi, the thirteenth lunar day of the waning moon. Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera for prosperity, while Lord Dhanvantari, associated with Ayurveda, is honoured for health and wellbeing. Some households also observe Yama Deepam by lighting a lamp outside their homes according to family customs.
For families celebrating abroad, the main preparation is checking the local festival calendar. A puja time calculated for an Indian city should not be used directly for a home in another country.
Dhanteras 2026 City Wise Puja Muhurat
The following Dhanteras puja windows are listed by Drik Panchang for Friday, November 6, 2026. All timings are local to the respective cities.
| Country | City | Puja Muhurat — Local Time |
|---|---|---|
| USA | New York | 5:12 PM–7:00 PM |
| USA | Chicago | 5:03 PM–6:51 PM |
| USA | Houston | 6:00 PM–7:55 PM |
| UK | London | 4:43 PM–6:20 PM |
| Canada | Toronto | 5:25 PM–7:11 PM |
| Australia | Sydney | 8:12 PM–9:32 PM |
| Australia | Melbourne | 8:45 PM–10:01 PM |
| UAE | Dubai | 6:06 PM–8:04 PM |
The USA timings differ between New York, Chicago and Houston, making a city-specific check essential. London and Toronto also have separate evening worship windows. Sydney, Melbourne and Dubai timings follow their respective local calculations.
The preferred Dhanteras puja period is calculated using the overlap of Trayodashi Tithi, Pradosh Kaal and a suitable fixed ascendant, commonly Vrishabha Lagna. This explains why the auspicious window changes by location. Families elsewhere should consult their own city’s Panchang or local temple.
Dhanteras 2026 Puja Rituals At Home
Preparations usually begin with cleaning the home and arranging a peaceful worship area. Families can place their customary idols or pictures on a clean cloth and keep flowers, fruits, sweets, incense and diyas ready before the local muhurat begins.
During worship, devotees light a diya, offer prayers and perform aarti according to their household traditions. Prasad is then shared with family members. Practices differ between communities, so families may follow the customs passed down by their elders.
For those living away from relatives, preparing sweets together or connecting through a video call can bring a familiar festive atmosphere to the evening. Anyone planning a temple visit should check the temple’s programme separately, as community events may follow a different schedule from home puja.
Diwali 2026 Date: Lakshmi Puja Timings in India and USA
Dhanteras 2026 Traditional Purchases And Celebrations Abroad
Buying gold, silver, coins or utensils is a popular Dhanteras custom. These purchases are traditionally regarded as auspicious symbols of prosperity and fresh beginnings. Brass, copper and steel utensils, diyas and useful household items are also common choices.
An expensive purchase is not necessary to take part in the celebration. A modest item chosen within the family budget can carry the same personal and cultural meaning.
Families celebrating across the USA, UK, Canada, Australia and Dubai can prepare their offerings in advance and keep the evening focused on worship and time together. Checking the correct local puja window helps them organise the celebration around their own city’s calendar.
