Dhanteras 2026: What not to buy? List of items considered inauspicious on this day

Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, marks the beginning of the Diwali festivities and is considered an auspicious occasion for welcoming wealth, prosperity and good health. In 2026, Dhanteras will be celebrated on Friday, November 6. While buying gold, silver and new utensils is a popular tradition, several households also follow customs that advise against purchasing certain items on this day. From sharp objects and iron goods to black-coloured items and glassware, some purchases are traditionally considered inauspicious during Dhanteras. However, these beliefs differ across regions and families and are not universal religious rules. Here are seven things that some households prefer to avoid buying on Dhanteras.

Read more - Dhanteras 2026 date: Shubh muhurat to buy gold, silver, utensils and other valuables

Dhanteras 2026: 7 things to avoid buying

1. Sharp objects such as knives and scissors

According to popular Hindu beliefs, buying sharp objects such as knives, scissors, blades and other cutting tools on Dhanteras is considered inauspicious in some households. These objects are symbolically associated with cutting ties, disputes and separation. Many families therefore prefer to postpone such purchases until after the festival.

2. Iron objects

Some traditional beliefs advise against purchasing iron objects on Dhanteras. Iron is associated with Shani Dev (Saturn) in certain Hindu traditions, and buying iron goods on this occasion is considered unfavourable by some families. Those who follow this custom prefer to purchase other metals, such as gold, silver, brass or copper.

3. Black-coloured items

Black is traditionally avoided during several Hindu festivals as it is associated with negative energy or inauspiciousness in some customs. For this reason, some households avoid purchasing black-coloured clothes, accessories and household items on Dhanteras. Instead, they prefer brighter shades associated with celebrations and prosperity.

4. Glassware and fragile items

Some regional traditions discourage buying glassware on Dhanteras because glass is fragile and can break easily. Such purchases are symbolically associated with breakage or instability. However, this is not a universal restriction, and many families do not follow it.

5. Oil and ghee

Certain regional customs advise against purchasing oil and ghee on Dhanteras. These beliefs are followed by some households as part of their traditional festive practices. However, oil and ghee are also commonly used for lighting diyas and performing religious rituals during Diwali. The restriction generally relates to shopping customs rather than their use in puja.

6. Leather products

Some families prefer not to purchase leather goods, including shoes, wallets, belts and bags, on Dhanteras. This is linked to traditional beliefs about avoiding certain materials considered unsuitable for an auspicious occasion. However, this is a regional and household-specific practice rather than a compulsory religious rule.

7. Empty utensils

Buying new utensils is actually considered auspicious on Dhanteras. However, some traditional beliefs advise against bringing empty vessels into the house. Instead, newly purchased pots, bowls or containers are filled with rice, wheat, sweets, water or coriander seeds before being brought home. This is believed to symbolise abundance, nourishment and prosperity.

Dhanteras 2026: Why are certain purchases considered inauspicious?

Dhanteras is associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera and Lord Dhanvantari. While Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped for wealth and prosperity, Lord Kubera is regarded as the deity of wealth, and Lord Dhanvantari is associated with health and Ayurveda.

Buying precious metals and household items is traditionally linked to welcoming good fortune and abundance. On the other hand, certain objects are avoided because of their symbolic associations with negativity, breakage or conflict.

It is important to remember that these are traditional beliefs and practices, not universal rules. Customs can vary from one region to another, so families can follow the rituals that are part of their own traditions.

Dhanteras 2026: Date and puja timing

Dhanteras will be celebrated on Friday, November 6, 2026. According to Drik Panchang, the Trayodashi Tithi will begin at 10:30 am on November 6 and end at 10:47 am on November 7.

The Dhanteras puja muhurat in New Delhi is from 6:02 pm to 7:57 pm. Timings differ across cities, so devotees should check their local Panchang before performing the rituals.