What is auspicious to buy on Dhanteras
| Item | Why it is considered auspicious |
|---|---|
| Gold or silver (coin, jewellery) | A symbol of Lakshmi ji; a silver Lakshmi-Ganesh coin is placed in the Diwali puja |
| Brass or silver utensils | Bhagwan Dhanvantari emerged from the churning of the ocean holding a pot of amrit, hence the tradition of buying utensils |
| Broom | A symbol of sweeping poverty out of the house; Lakshmi is believed to come to a clean home |
| Whole coriander seeds | Offered in the puja and later sown in a pot — the greenery is taken as a sign of prosperity |
| Gomti chakra and cowries | Kept in the Lakshmi puja and then in the safe or wallet |
| Clay diyas | For the Yam deepak on the evening of Dhanteras and for the night of Diwali |
| A new Lakshmi-Ganesh idol or picture | For the Lakshmi puja of Diwali; the tradition is to bring a new idol every year |
| Account book, safe, new wallet | Traders start their new accounts from Dhanteras or Diwali |
What not to buy on Dhanteras
- Iron items — many people avoid iron and steel on this day; brass, copper or silver are preferred.
- Glassware and sharp objects — knives, scissors, needles.
- Black items.
- Do not bring a new utensil home empty — fill it with a little grain, rice or sweets.
- Buying on credit and lending money are not considered auspicious.
Auspicious shopping time (Delhi, November 6, 2026)
| Choghadiya | Time | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Char | 6:36 am – 7:58 am | Neutral — good for travel |
| Labh | 7:58 am – 9:20 am | Auspicious — business and gain |
| Amrit | 9:20 am – 10:42 am | Most auspicious |
| Kaal | 10:42 am – 12:04 pm | Inauspicious |
| Shubh | 12:04 pm – 1:26 pm | Auspicious |
| Rog | 1:26 pm – 2:48 pm | Inauspicious |
| Udveg | 2:48 pm – 4:10 pm | Inauspicious |
| Char | 4:10 pm – 5:32 pm | Neutral — good for travel |
Trayodashi tithi runs from November 6, 10:31 am to November 7, 10:49 am. So you can also shop in an auspicious choghadiya on November 6 and on the morning of November 7 before 10:49 am. The puja's Pradosh kaal is from 5:32 pm to 7:56 PM on November 6.
Times differ by a few minutes in other cities — see your city's choghadiya.
List by budget
- Up to ₹100: broom, whole coriander, 11 or 21 clay diyas, gomti chakra, cowries.
- ₹500 to ₹2,000: a brass diya or lota, a small silver coin, a Lakshmi-Ganesh idol.
- More than that: a gold or silver coin or jewellery, silver utensils.
- All puja items in one place: buy puja samagri and the Diwali puja samagri list.
Information checked: October 27, 2026. These are traditions and beliefs; give priority to your own family's customs.