Dhanteras 2026: The First Day of Diwali

Diwali 2026 begins today, Friday, November 6, with Dhanteras — the first of the five days of the festival. The five-day festival runs November 6–10, 2026: Dhanteras (Nov 6), Choti Diwali (Nov 7), Lakshmi Puja / Diwali (Nov 8), Govardhan Puja (Nov 9), and Bhai Dooj (Nov 10).

What Is Dhanteras?

Dhanteras is the festival’s celebration of wealth and prosperity. Families clean their homes, decorate their entryways, and buy gold, silver, or new utensils to bring good fortune for the year ahead. The day honors Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi, and the shopping itself is part of the ritual — buying something new on Dhanteras is believed to invite prosperity into the home.

Dhanteras 2026 Date and Puja Muhurat

Dhanteras falls on Friday, November 6, 2026. In New York, the Dhanteras puja muhurat is approximately 5:10 PM to 6:59 PM EST, within Pradosh Kaal (about 4:46 PM to 7:32 PM). Light your first diyas in the evening, and the festival of lights is officially underway.

What to Buy on Dhanteras

Tradition says to bring home something precious or useful:

• Gold and silver — coins, jewelry, or small ornaments are the classic Dhanteras purchase
• New utensils — brass, copper, or steel vessels for the kitchen
• Something new for the home — many families buy an appliance or a household item they’ve been waiting for

If you’re out shopping for Dhanteras in Westchester, remember the evening gets busy — and the weekend ahead is the biggest travel weekend of the festival, with family flying in from everywhere.

Diwali Events This Weekend in Westchester and NYC

Dhanteras opens a full weekend of celebrations near Dobbs Ferry:

• Diwali at the Westchester Children’s Museum — Saturday, Nov 7, 10:30 AM–4:00 PM, 100 Playland Parkway, Rye. Family-friendly Diwali activities for kids. Details
• Diwali Lights Up Asia Society — Saturday, Nov 7, 1:00–4:00 PM, 725 Park Avenue, Manhattan. Dance, puppet Ramleela, crafts, and storytelling with The Culture Tree. Details
• Edison Diwali Festival — Saturday, Nov 7, 5:00–9:00 PM, Papaianni Park, Edison, NJ. A big outdoor township mela with food and performances. Details
• Diwali Celebration at the Bhakti Center — Sunday, Nov 8, 3:45 PM, 25 1st Avenue, Manhattan. Lights, music, and community on Diwali day itself. Details
• BAPS Flushing Diwali and Chopda Pujan — Sunday, Nov 8, evening arti 6:00–6:30 PM, Chopda Pujan 7:30–9:00 PM, then fireworks, 43-38 Bowne Street, Flushing. Details
• Diwali Festival at Hudson River Museum — Saturday, Nov 14, 11:00 AM–5:00 PM, 511 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers. Diya-making, rangoli, henna, sari draping, and Indian dance — the big Westchester finale. Details

Getting There: Flat-Rate Rides for Diwali Weekend

Dhanteras kicks off the busiest family-travel weekend of the year. If your family is flying in for Diwali, Dia Limo Service runs flat-rate airport rides from JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, and Westchester County Airport — no surge, no meter, 24/7. See our airport taxi service or book on WhatsApp: 914-292-4800.

Dhanteras FAQ

When is Dhanteras in 2026?

Friday, November 6, 2026 — the first day of the five-day Diwali festival.

What should you buy on Dhanteras?

Gold, silver, or new utensils are traditional — anything new for the home is believed to bring good fortune.

What time is Dhanteras puja in New York?

The muhurat is approximately 5:10–6:59 PM EST on November 6.

Is Dhanteras the first day of Diwali?

Yes. Dhanteras opens the five days, followed by Choti Diwali, Lakshmi Puja (the main day), Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj.

Happy Dhanteras from Dia Limo Service — may the festival bring light and prosperity to your home. 🪔