Dhanteras 2026: Date, Puja & Celebrations in Australia

Last Updated on Nov 3rd, 2026 by Kamal Kishor, Leave a Comment

Dhanteras is an auspicious day to welcome prosperity, good health and happiness and is the first event of the Diwali celebrations. Families pray to Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera and Lord Dhanvantari, light diyas, and buy gold, silver, or new household items.

It is a special time for Indians who live in Australia to carry on these customs with the family and the Indian community. Celebrating Dhanteras 2026 in Australia? Here’s all you need to know about Dhanteras 2026, including its date, puja muhurat, significance, and celebration ideas.

When Is Dhanteras 2026 in Australia?

The Dhanteras 2026 date in Australia is the same as in India: Friday, 6th November 2026. It is celebrated during the Trayodashi Tithi (the 13th lunar day) of the Hindu month of Kartik during Krishna Paksha (the dark half of the lunar month).

The Dhanteras festival is celebrated two days before the Diwali festival. It is the opening of the five-day Diwali festival, which is a celebration where families pray, shop and prepare for the festivities.

The festival date for Indians in Australia is the same as in India in 2026. The puja timings are different, as they are derived based on the local sunset and Panchang timings.

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Did you know?

The word ‘Dhanteras’ is a combination of two words, ‘Dhan’ meaning ‘wealth’ and ‘Teras’ meaning ‘the thirteenth lunar day’.

Dhanteras 2026 Puja Muhurat in Australia

The time of Dhanteras puja is usually during Pradosh Kaal (evening time after the sunset). The auspicious window is determined by the local Panchang. Hence, Dhanteras 2026 Shubh Muhurat timings in Australia will vary from one city to the other.

The following are the Dhanteras puja timings for various cities in 2026:

Australian City	Date	Dhanteras Puja Muhurat
Sydney	Friday, November 6	8:12 PM – 9:32 PM
Melbourne	Friday, November 6	8:45 PM – 10:01 PM
Brisbane	Friday, November 6	6:52 PM – 8:18 PM
Perth	Friday, November 6	7:29 PM – 8:51 PM

*Puja timings are based on local Australian time and should be checked against the relevant city’s Panchang.

What Is Pradosh Kaal?

Pradosh Kaal is the period shortly after sunset and is considered auspicious for the Dhanteras puja. The Lakshmi Kubera puja is generally performed during this evening window, particularly when the favourable Vrishabha (Taurus) Lagna overlaps with it.

Families also light a diya as part of the Yama Deepam tradition, praying for the health and long life of their loved ones.

Is Dhanteras on the Same Day in Australia and India?

Yes. Dhanteras is celebrated in 2026 on Friday, November 6, both in Australia and in India.

But the time of the puja is different in different places. The dates and auspicious timings of Hindu festivals are based on the lunar calendar, local sunrise and sunset, and other Panchang calculations.

For instance, a person performing Dhanteras puja in Sydney will follow the local muhurat for Sydney, while a family in Delhi will follow the timings calculated for Delhi.

This is especially significant for Indians residing outside India. When celebrating Dhanteras in Australia, always keep in mind the local timings and not the Indian puja timings.

Why Is Dhanteras Celebrated?

Dhanteras is related to wealth, prosperity and good health. The festival celebrates Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera and Lord Dhanvantari. Each of these deities symbolises an important aspect of a prosperous life.

The story of Lord Dhanvantari

In Hindu mythology, Lord Dhanvantari emerged during the Samudra Manthan (the churning of the cosmic ocean) with a pot of Amrit (the divine nectar of immortality).

He is considered the lord of Ayurveda and healing. This is the reason why Dhanteras is also called Dhanvantari Trayodashi, and people pray for good health and well-being.

Praying to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuberaa

Goddess Lakshmi is the symbol of wealth, abundance and prosperity, and Lord Kubera is traditionally considered the protector of wealth.

On Dhanteras, many families conduct the Lakshmi Kubera puja and ask for the blessings of financial stability and prosperity. It is also a good opportunity to clean and prepare the house for the celebration of Diwali.

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How to Do Dhanteras Puja at Home in Australia?

You don’t need an elaborate arrangement to celebrate Dhanteras. Indian families living in Australia can perform a simple puja at home using commonly available items.

Things You Need for Dhanteras Puja

Before beginning the puja, arrange the following items:

• A clean puja area or small wooden platform.
• Idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera, and Lord Dhanvantari.
• Clay diyas, cotton wicks, and ghee or oil.
• Flowers, incense sticks, and a small bowl of rice.
• Kumkum, turmeric, and sandalwood.
• Fruits, sweets, and other offerings.
• A new gold or silver item, coin, or utensil, if you follow this tradition.

Simple Dhanteras Puja Vidhi

Here is a simple way to perform Dhanteras puja at home:

1. Clean the puja area: Arrange the idols or pictures of the deities on a clean platform.
2. Light a diya: Light a lamp and incense sticks to begin the puja.
3. Offer prayers: Apply kumkum and offer flowers, rice, and sweets to the deities.
4. Perform Dhanvantari puja: Pray for good health and the well-being of your family.
5. Perform Lakshmi Kubera puja: Offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera for prosperity and financial stability.
6. Light Yama Deepam: Many families light a separate diya near the entrance of their home in the evening as part of the Yama Deepam tradition.

You can conclude the puja with an aarti and distribute prasad among family members.

What can you buy on Dhanteras in Australia?

One of the most popular traditions is the purchase of gold on Dhanteras. It is a good day to buy new items, especially items of precious metal like gold and silver, for many families.

Here are some traditional Dhanteras purchases that you can make in Australia

• Gold Jewellery and Coins

Many people prefer small gold bars, coins, and gold jewellery during Dhanteras. Some families also purchase coins of Goddess Lakshmi or Lord Ganesha to keep for the Diwali puja.

• Silver Coins and Articles

Other traditional items of choice include silver coins, small idols and utensils. Silver coins are easy to incorporate into families’ Diwali puja, making them popular.

• New Utensils

One of the popular Dhanteras traditions is the purchase of fresh kitchenware. Items of brass, copper and stainless steel are popular depending on the preferences of the household.

• Diyas and Puja Items

Preparing the home for Diwali is a major activity, and so is buying decorative lamps (clay diyas), puja thalis and other festive items.

Where to Buy Gold for Dhanteras in Australia?

Indians living in Australia have several options for finding gold and silver during Dhanteras.

You can look into Indian jewellers in your area, local Australian jewellers and bullion traders. The Indian jewellery store may even carry some traditional pieces that families who have spent their whole lives celebrating Dhanteras and Diwali in India will be familiar with.

Before buying, compare the purity, weight, making charges, and certification details. For coins or bars, make sure of the seller’s authenticity and check the product’s specifications.

However, you don’t necessarily spend on buying expensive gold accessories to celebrate Dhanteras. A simple silver coin or new utensil for the house can also be bought as per tradition.

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Dhanteras vs Diwali: What’s the Difference?

Although Dhanteras and Diwali are closely connected, they are two different occasions within the five-day Diwali festival.

Dhanteras	Diwali
Celebrated two days before Diwali.	Celebrated on the main Diwali day.
Associated with Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Kubera.	In many traditions, it is primarily associated with Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.
Gold, silver, and new utensils are commonly purchased.	Homes are decorated with diyas, rangoli, and lights.
Families perform Dhanteras puja and Yama Deepam.	Families perform the main Lakshmi-Ganesha puja and celebrate with sweets and fireworks where permitted.

For NRI families, both occasions are important opportunities to stay connected with Indian traditions, even when they are celebrating thousands of kilometres away from home.

Planning a Trip to India for Dhanteras and Diwali?

For many Indians in Australia, the Dhanteras festival is also the perfect excuse to plan a trip to India! What could be more meaningful than celebrating Dhanteras and Diwali with your parents, family, and friends?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is Dhanteras 2026?

A: Dhanteras 2026 falls on Friday, November 6, in Australia. It is observed on the Trayodashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik.

Q: What is the Dhanteras puja time in Australia?

A: The Dhanteras puja muhurat varies by city. In 2026, the timings are 8:12 PM to 9:32 PM in Sydney, 8:45 PM to 10:01 PM in Melbourne, 6:52 PM to 8:18 PM in Brisbane, and 7:29 PM to 8:51 PM in Perth. All timings are local.

Q: Is Dhanteras on the same day in Australia and India?

A: Yes, Dhanteras falls on November 6 in both Australia and India in 2026. However, local puja timings may differ because they are calculated according to each city’s Panchang.

Q: Why do people buy gold on Dhanteras?

A: Buying gold, silver or new utensils is considered auspicious on Dhanteras. Many families follow this tradition as a symbol of prosperity, wealth and good fortune.

Q: Is Dhanteras the same as Diwali?

A: No, Dhanteras and Diwali are different occasions. Dhanteras marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival, while Diwali is the main festival day, celebrated with Lakshmi Puja in many Hindu traditions.

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