Dhanteras 2026: Date, puja timings in USA, UK, Canada, Australia and Dubai - Significance, greetings, and how to celebrate

Dhanteras or Dhantrayodashi is a Hindu festival associated with wealth, prosperity, good health and new beginnings. On this occasion, devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera and Lord Dhanvantari, seeking blessings for financial stability, good health and happiness. Buying gold, silver coins, jewellery and new utensils is also an important tradition, as these purchases are believed to bring good fortune. Dhanteras will be celebrated in India on Friday, November 6, marking the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival. But if you are staying in other countries like the US, the UK, Canada, Australia and UAE, the date and timings will differ.

Dhanteras 2026 puja timings in USA, UK, Canada, Australia and Dubai

Dhanteras is observed on the Trayodashi tithi of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu lunar calendar. In 2026, the festival will be observed on Friday, November 6 in India. Devotees should note that Hindu festival dates and puja muhurats are determined using local astronomical calculations. Therefore, the timings may vary across countries and cities.

According to Drik Panchang, the Trayodashi tithi in New York City will begin at 12 noon on November 5 and end at 12:17 am on November 7, local time.


The Pradosh Kaal, the period following sunset, is considered particularly auspicious for Dhanteras prayers. Families generally perform Lakshmi-Kuber Puja during this evening period.

Here are the estimated Dhanteras 2026 puja timings for major international cities:

Dhanteras 2026 puja timings in USA

• New York: 5:12 PM to 7:00 PM
• East Los Angeles: 5:23 PM to 7:16 PM
• Chicago: 5:03 PM to 6:51 PM
• Dallas: 6:00 PM to 7:54 PM
• Houston: 5:59 PM to 7:54 PM

Dhanteras 2026 puja timings in UK

London: 4:43 PM to 6:20 PM

Dhanteras 2026 puja timings in Canada

Toronto: 5:25 PM to 7:11 PM

Dhanteras 2026 puja timings in Australia

• Sydney: 8:12 PM to 9:32 PM
• Melbourne: 8:47 PM to 10:01 PM

Dhanteras 2026 puja timings in Dubai

Dubai: 6:06 PM to 8:04 PM

Note that these are indicative timings. Devotees should check their local Panchang before performing the puja, as exact muhurats can differ depending on location and calculation methods.

Dhanteras' significance and religious beliefs

Dhanteras is associated with Goddess Lakshmi who believed to bring prosperity and abundance. According to Hindu mythology she emerged during the churning of the cosmic ocean. Worshipping her on Dhanteras is therefore considered auspicious for households seeking wealth and financial stability.

Lord Kubera, the deity associated with wealth and treasures, is also worshipped alongside Goddess Lakshmi. Devotees believe that offering prayers to both deities brings prosperity and helps maintain financial well-being.

Dhanteras also coincides with Dhanvantari Jayanti, which commemorates the birth of Lord Dhanvantari. Revered as the divine physician and associated with Ayurveda, he symbolises health, healing and longevity.

The festival therefore celebrates more than material wealth. It also highlights the importance of good health, peace of mind, happiness and stability in family life.

Dhanteras 2026: Puja rituals and how to worship Goddess Lakshmi

During Dhanteras people usually begin clean and decorate their houses. People decorate their homes with flowers and light oil lamps before performing the evening puja.

Some households also observe Yama Deepam, a tradition involving the lighting of a special diya in the evening to seek protection from untimely death.

Dhanteras gold buying tradition: What should you purchase?

One of the traditions of Dhanteras include buying new items. People mostly purchase jewellery, coins and other precious gold and silver items. However, it need not to be an expensive item or gold and silver. You can buy new utensils of Brass, copper, or steel also. Some families purchase new items for their homes to mark fresh beginnings.

Dhanteras greetings

If you have an Indian friend, you can greet them on Dhanteras. Something like - Happy Dhanteras or Shubh Dhanteras - would do the job. If you prefer a bit longer greetings you can say:

• Shubh Dhanteras! May prosperity always shine upon you.
• Wishing you health, wealth, and happiness. Happy Dhanteras!
• May Maa Lakshmi bless you. Happy Dhanteras!
• May your life be filled with light and prosperity. Shubh Dhanteras!
• Celebrate wealth, welcome happiness and cherish good health. Happy Dhanteras!
• May every diya bring a new ray of hope and happiness.