Dhanteras 2026: What is the significance of shopping in Dhanteras? Know when and why this practice started?

Dhanteras 2026: The festival of Dhanteras is celebrated two days before Diwali and falls on the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Kartik. Dhanteras is also known as Dhantrayodashi. This day symbolizes prosperity, good fortune and wishes for good health.

  As the beginning of the festival of lights, the festival of Dhanteras is celebrated every year on the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Kartik. On this day, buying gold, silver and brass or clay utensils is considered very auspicious. According to religious beliefs, shopping on Dhanteras increases wealth and good fortune thirteen times. According to the calendar, this year the auspicious festival of Dhanteras will be celebrated on Saturday, October 18. But do you know why shopping on this day is considered so auspicious? There are two main myths behind this, which increase the significance of this festival.

Also Read: Dhanteras 2026 Shopping Muhurat: What is the best time to buy gold, silver and utensils? See Choghadiya

Samudra Manthan and Amrit Kalash
According to mythology, Gods and Rakshasas once churned the ocean of nectar to obtain the nectar of life. On the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Kartik, Lord Dhanvantari appeared during the churning. He held a gold/brass vessel filled with nectar. This vessel was a symbol of wealth and health. Since Lord Dhanvantari appeared with the nectar of life, this day is called Dhan Triodashi.

Buying any metal or new thing (especially utensils and metals) on this day is considered very auspicious. It is believed that this brings wealth and health in the house and removes financial problems. Since Lord Dhanvantari has a brass vessel, it is considered especially auspicious to buy brass utensils.          

Another myth of buying gold and silver on Dhanteras 
According to another legend, when Lord Vishnu took the form of a dwarf to break the ego of King Bali, he asked King Bali for three steps. Three steps of land. King Bali promised to give alms. Lord Vamana measured the whole earth with his first step and the heaven with his second step. When there was no room left for his third step, King Bali placed his head at the feet of Lord Vamana.

In this way, King Bali gave away everything he had. It is believed that the wealth of the gods increased many times more than what the gods took from him. The festival of Dhanteras is also celebrated on this occasion, which conveys the message of wealth abundance><