ET OnlineDhanteras 2026: 5 Religious Practices to Seek the Blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber
Dhanteras 2026 will be celebrated on Friday, November 6, marking the beginning of the five-day Diwali festivities. Also known as Dhantrayodashi, the auspicious occasion is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, and Lord Kuber, the divine treasurer. Devotees believe that performing traditional rituals on this day invites financial stability, good fortune, happiness and abundance into the household.
Dhanteras is also associated with Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. While buying gold, silver, utensils and other valuables is a popular tradition, the festival holds deeper religious significance. From performing Lakshmi-Kuber Puja to lighting diyas and offering donations, there are several practices devotees follow to seek divine blessings.
Also Read: Dhanteras 2026 Date: Check the Puja Muhurat, Gold Buying Time and Auspicious Rituals
Devotees clean their puja rooms, decorate the altar with flowers and place idols or pictures of the deities. Offerings such as flowers, fruits, sweets, incense sticks, betel leaves and coins are presented during the puja. Lighting a ghee diya and chanting Lakshmi and Kuber mantras are also considered auspicious.
Many families perform the puja during the evening Pradosh Kaal, following their local Panchang timings, and pray for financial stability, peace and prosperity.
Also Read: Dhanteras 2026: What to Buy and Avoid to Seek Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari Blessings and Prosperity
This ritual is known as Yama Deepam or Yamadeepdaan. Traditionally, a diya is placed outside the main entrance of the house, often facing south, as an offering to Lord Yama, the deity of death.
Devotees pray for the long life, good health and well-being of their family members. The ritual is also believed to remove darkness and invite positivity into the household. Families should follow the customary practices observed in their regions while performing this ritual.
Also Read: Diwali 2026 Date: When Is Diwali? Lakshmi Puja Muhurat, Dhanteras, Govardhan Puja And Bhai Dooj - Check Complete 5-Day Festival Calendar
However, Dhanteras is not only about expensive purchases. Buying a small metal utensil or an item needed by the family is also part of the celebration. The underlying belief is to welcome the festival with something new and auspicious.
Devotees worship Lord Dhanvantari and seek blessings for good health, longevity and freedom from illness. Flowers, fruits, sweets and other traditional offerings are presented before the deity.
The occasion reminds people that health is as valuable as material wealth. Praying to Lord Dhanvantari is therefore an important part of Dhanteras celebrations, particularly for families seeking physical and spiritual well-being.
Offering help to the less fortunate is considered a meaningful way to celebrate the festival. It reflects generosity, compassion and gratitude while reminding devotees that prosperity becomes more meaningful when it is shared with others.
Some families also donate food or contribute towards community welfare as part of their festive observances. Such acts of kindness are believed to invite blessings and create positive energy.
Dhanteras is also associated with Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. While buying gold, silver, utensils and other valuables is a popular tradition, the festival holds deeper religious significance. From performing Lakshmi-Kuber Puja to lighting diyas and offering donations, there are several practices devotees follow to seek divine blessings.
Also Read: Dhanteras 2026 Date: Check the Puja Muhurat, Gold Buying Time and Auspicious Rituals
1. Perform Lakshmi-Kuber Puja at Home
One of the most important rituals of Dhanteras is worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber. While Goddess Lakshmi represents wealth, prosperity and abundance, Lord Kuber is traditionally regarded as the guardian of wealth and the celestial treasurer.Devotees clean their puja rooms, decorate the altar with flowers and place idols or pictures of the deities. Offerings such as flowers, fruits, sweets, incense sticks, betel leaves and coins are presented during the puja. Lighting a ghee diya and chanting Lakshmi and Kuber mantras are also considered auspicious.
Many families perform the puja during the evening Pradosh Kaal, following their local Panchang timings, and pray for financial stability, peace and prosperity.
Also Read: Dhanteras 2026: What to Buy and Avoid to Seek Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari Blessings and Prosperity
2. Light 13 Diyas for Lord Yama
Lighting diyas is an important Dhanteras tradition. According to popular Hindu beliefs, lighting 13 earthen lamps on this day is associated with protection from untimely death and negative energies.This ritual is known as Yama Deepam or Yamadeepdaan. Traditionally, a diya is placed outside the main entrance of the house, often facing south, as an offering to Lord Yama, the deity of death.
Devotees pray for the long life, good health and well-being of their family members. The ritual is also believed to remove darkness and invite positivity into the household. Families should follow the customary practices observed in their regions while performing this ritual.
Also Read: Diwali 2026 Date: When Is Diwali? Lakshmi Puja Muhurat, Dhanteras, Govardhan Puja And Bhai Dooj - Check Complete 5-Day Festival Calendar
3. Buy Gold, Silver or Auspicious Household Items
Purchasing precious metals on Dhanteras is one of the most widely followed traditions. Buying gold, silver, brass or copper items is considered auspicious and symbolises the welcoming of prosperity into the home. Some families purchase silver coins featuring Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, while others prefer new utensils, jewellery or household essentials. These purchases are traditionally associated with good fortune and abundance.However, Dhanteras is not only about expensive purchases. Buying a small metal utensil or an item needed by the family is also part of the celebration. The underlying belief is to welcome the festival with something new and auspicious.
4. Offer Prayers to Lord Dhanvantari for Good Health
Dhanteras is also observed as Dhanvantari Jayanti, commemorating the appearance of Lord Dhanvantari during Samudra Manthan, the churning of the cosmic ocean. He is revered as the divine physician and associated with Ayurveda and healing.Devotees worship Lord Dhanvantari and seek blessings for good health, longevity and freedom from illness. Flowers, fruits, sweets and other traditional offerings are presented before the deity.
The occasion reminds people that health is as valuable as material wealth. Praying to Lord Dhanvantari is therefore an important part of Dhanteras celebrations, particularly for families seeking physical and spiritual well-being.
5. Donate Food and Essentials to the Needy
Charity and donation hold an important place in Hindu religious traditions. On Dhanteras, devotees may donate food, clothes, medicines or essential household items to people in need.Offering help to the less fortunate is considered a meaningful way to celebrate the festival. It reflects generosity, compassion and gratitude while reminding devotees that prosperity becomes more meaningful when it is shared with others.
Some families also donate food or contribute towards community welfare as part of their festive observances. Such acts of kindness are believed to invite blessings and create positive energy.
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