Dhanteras 2026 falls on 6 November. Traditional outfits in gold, yellow, and red are the strongest choices for the evening puja and laxmi celebrations. When it comes to jewellery, gold and silver remain the most auspicious purchases—opt for lightweight everyday pieces if you're buying to wear, or coins and idols if you're buying as an investment.
Dhanteras marks the official start of the five-day Diwali season—and for most people, it sets the tone for everything that follows. The dressing rules are a little different here than on Diwali night itself. The occasion is more intimate, more spiritual, and anchored in ritual. Your outfit and jewellery choices should reflect that.
With Dhanteras falling on 6 November 2026, here's everything you need to know to dress well and shop smart.
What Are the Best Outfits to Wear for Dhanteras Puja?
For the Dhanteras evening puja, traditional silhouettes take priority over fashion-forward choices. Anarkali suits, silk sarees, and ethnic kurta sets are the most appropriate picks. The occasion calls for something graceful rather than dramatic—save the heavy lehenga for Diwali night.
Color matters on Dhanteras. Yellow and gold are considered particularly auspicious, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. Red and orange carry similar significance. If you prefer something more understated, deep pink and ivory work beautifully without straying from the festive spirit.
Best fabrics for Dhanteras: Banarasi silk, cotton silk, and chanderi. These drape well for extended puja settings and feel comfortable over a long evening.
What Should You Avoid Wearing on Dhanteras?
Avoid black and white—both are traditionally considered inauspicious for Dhanteras specifically. Heavy Western or fusion outfits can also feel out of place for the puja ritual, though they work fine for any casual Dhanteras gathering with friends afterward.
How Should You Choose Jewellery for Dhanteras 2026?
Buying gold or silver on Dhanteras is one of the most enduring traditions associated with the festival. Purchasing metal on this day is believed to bring good fortune into the home for the year ahead. But choosing what to buy depends on how you intend to use it.
Buying Jewellery to Wear: What Works Best?
If your goal is wearable jewellery, lightweight gold pieces are the most practical Dhanteras purchase. Temple-style earrings, thin gold bangles, and delicate necklaces strike the right balance—festive enough to wear that evening, versatile enough to style throughout the year.
For silver, anklets, toe rings, and oxidized statement pieces are popular choices. Oxidized silver in particular pairs well with traditional outfits in deeper tones like maroon and forest green.
Gemstone choices for Dhanteras: Yellow sapphire, citrine, and topaz align with the gold-and-prosperity theme of the festival. Ruby remains a strong choice if you're wearing red or deep pink.
Buying Jewellery as an Investment: Coins or Idols?
Gold coins and small Lakshmi-Ganesh idols are the traditional investment purchases for Dhanteras. These are available at most jewellers and banks and carry both symbolic and monetary value. If you're not looking to add to your wearable collection, a gold coin is a clean, meaningful buy that stays relevant well beyond the festive season.
Quick Dhanteras Styling Guide by Look
Setting | Outfit | Jewellery |
Family puja | Silk saree or Anarkali in gold/yellow | Temple gold earrings, thin bangles |
Casual gathering | Ethnic kurta set in orange or pink | Oxidized silver or gemstone pieces |
Festive dinner | Chanderi saree or embroidered suit | Delicate necklace with matching earrings |
Frequently Asked Questions
What color should I wear on Dhanteras 2026?
Yellow, gold, red, and orange are the most auspicious colors for Dhanteras. Deep pink and ivory are also suitable. Avoid black and white for the puja itself.
Is it okay to buy silver instead of gold on Dhanteras?
Yes. Silver is equally auspicious on Dhanteras—particularly for purchasing items associated with Goddess Lakshmi, like idols, utensils, or decorative pieces. Silverware and coins are traditional alternatives to gold jewellery.
What is the best jewellery to buy on Dhanteras for everyday wear?
Lightweight gold earrings, thin bangles, or a simple gold chain are the most practical picks—festive enough for the occasion, easy to wear regularly after the celebrations end.
Plan Your Dhanteras Look Before 6 November
Dhanteras shopping gets competitive fast. Jewellery stores see their highest footfall of the year around this date, and tailoring slots fill up quickly as the festive season accelerates. Lock in your outfit and shortlist your jewellery purchases now—before November arrives and the best pieces are already gone.
