Dhanteras 2026: buying gold without the rush.
Dhanteras falls on Friday, 6 November 2026, two days before Lakshmi Puja on Sunday 8 November. It is the busiest gold-buying day of the year, and the people who enjoy it most are the ones who decided what they wanted a week earlier.
Diwali 2026 at a glance
- Fri 6 Nov
- Dhanteras. The traditional day to buy gold, silver and new utensils.
- Sat 7 Nov
- Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali).
- Sun 8 Nov
- Diwali, Lakshmi Puja.
- Tue 10 Nov
- Bhai Dooj.
Festival-week hours can change. Confirm on WhatsApp before you travel.
Five things to do before the day
- 1
- Choose the design in advance. Visit a week or two early, or browse on the Nakoda Gold app, and ask for the piece to be kept ready. Custom orders need weeks, not days.
- 2
- Get today's rate on the day. The rate on Dhanteras is the rate on Dhanteras. Here is how to get it.
- 3
- Check the HUID. Every hallmarked piece carries its own six-digit code. It takes a minute to verify, even at a busy counter.
- 4
- Bring old gold to exchange. Ask whether melting loss or stone weight will be deducted. At Nakoda Gold neither is, and purity testing is free.
- 5
- Ask for the written estimate. Rate, weight, making charges and GST, itemised before you pay. Finance is available if you would rather spread the cost.
What people usually buy on Dhanteras
A daily-wear mangalsutra
Lightweight 22K pieces from under 4 grams. See mangalsutra.
Gold chains
The most-worn piece of gold in most families. See chains.
Rings
In 18K and 22K from half a gram. An easy first purchase for the year. See rings.
The wedding set, early
For a wedding in the season after Diwali, Dhanteras is a common day to book it. See bridal sets.