Bhubaneswar, Nov 6: Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festivities. Considered an auspicious occasion for welcoming wealth, prosperity and good health, the festival will be celebrated on Friday, November 6, 2026.

Buying gold, silver and new utensils is a popular tradition on Dhanteras, as these purchases are believed to bring good fortune and abundance. However, according to certain traditional beliefs, some items are considered inauspicious to purchase on this day.

From sharp objects and iron goods to black-coloured items and glassware, several households prefer to avoid specific purchases as part of their festive customs. Here are seven things that some families traditionally avoid buying on Dhanteras.

7 Things to avoid buying:

1. Sharp Objects

According to popular Hindu beliefs, purchasing sharp objects such as knives, scissors, blades and other cutting tools on Dhanteras is considered inauspicious in some households. These objects are symbolically associated with cutting relationships, disputes and separation. Therefore, some families prefer to postpone such purchases until after the festival.

2. Iron Objects

Some traditional beliefs discourage purchasing iron items on Dhanteras. Iron is associated with Shani Dev (Saturn) in certain Hindu traditions, and buying iron goods on this auspicious occasion is considered unfavourable by some families. Instead, people prefer purchasing gold, silver, brass or copper items.

3. Black-Coloured Items

Black is traditionally avoided during several Hindu festivals as it is associated with negativity or inauspiciousness in certain customs. For this reason, some households avoid purchasing black-coloured clothes, accessories and household products on Dhanteras. Brighter shades are often preferred as symbols of happiness and prosperity.

4. Glassware And Fragile Items

Certain regional traditions advise against buying glassware on Dhanteras because glass items are fragile and can break easily. Such objects are symbolically associated with breakage and instability. However, this belief is not followed universally, and many families do not consider purchasing glassware inauspicious.

5. Oil And Ghee

Some households prefer not to purchase oil and ghee on Dhanteras as part of their traditional shopping practices. However, these items are commonly used for lighting diyas and performing religious rituals during Diwali. The traditional restriction generally relates to purchasing them rather than using them for worship.

6. Leather Products

Certain families avoid purchasing leather products, including shoes, wallets, belts and bags, on Dhanteras. This practice is linked to traditional beliefs about avoiding materials considered unsuitable for an auspicious occasion. However, it is a regional and household-specific custom rather than a universal religious restriction.

7. Empty Utensils

Buying new utensils is considered auspicious on Dhanteras. However, some traditional beliefs advise against bringing newly purchased vessels into the house empty. Instead, people prefer filling new pots, bowls and containers with rice, wheat, sweets, water or coriander seeds before bringing them home. This is symbolically associated with welcoming abundance and prosperity.

Why are certain purchases considered inauspicious?

Dhanteras is associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera and Lord Dhanvantari. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped for wealth and prosperity, Lord Kubera is regarded as the deity of wealth, while Lord Dhanvantari is associated with health and Ayurveda.

Buying precious metals and household items on this day is traditionally believed to invite good fortune and abundance. On the other hand, certain objects are avoided because of their symbolic associations with negativity, breakage or conflict.

However, these practices are based on traditional beliefs and regional customs rather than universal religious rules. Rituals and shopping traditions may differ across regions and families.

Dhanteras 2026: Date and puja muhurat

Dhanteras will be celebrated on Friday, November 6, 2026. According to Drik Panchang, the Trayodashi Tithi will begin at 10:30 AM on November 6 and conclude at 10:47 AM on November 7.

The Dhanteras puja muhurat in New Delhi is from 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM. Since auspicious timings vary from one city to another, devotees are advised to check their local Panchang before performing the rituals.

As preparations for Diwali begin across the country, Dhanteras offers an opportunity for families to celebrate prosperity, good health and new beginnings.