Dhanteras 2026: 7 Things You Should Never Buy

What not to buy on Dhanteras 2026? Check out 7 items traditionally avoided to welcome Goddess Lakshmi and prosperity.

Dhanteras is considered an auspicious day to welcome wealth, prosperity and good health into the home. Although purchasing gold, silver and new utensils is a common practice, there are some items that should be avoided on this day. Learn 7 things you must never buy on Dhanteras 2026 and the reasons behind these traditions.

Why Is Dhanteras Considered Auspicious?

Dhanteras or Dhantrayodashi is celebrated at the start of a five-day Diwali festival. The day is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera and Lord Dhanvantari, who are linked with wealth, prosperity and wellbeing.

As per the traditions of Hindus, purchasing items made of gold, silver, brass and copper on this day is said to be very lucky. Families also buy new utensils, jewelry and other household items to bring prosperity and happiness.

But not everything is auspicious as per the traditions and customs. There are some objects which people avoid buying as these objects are related to negativity and conflict.

Here are 7 things which are never bought on Dhanteras.

7 Things You Should Never Buy on Dhanteras 2026

The following are seven items which some families usually like to avoid purchasing on this very auspicious day.

1. Sharp Objects Like Knives and Scissors

According to popular Hindu traditions, buying sharp objects including knives, scissors, blades and cutting devices on the day of Dhanteras is thought to be inauspicious by some families.

This is because these items have symbolic meanings of cutting ties, fights and separations. Thus, some families would rather postpone the purchase of these items after the festival ends.

2. Iron Objects and Utensils

Some traditional practices also advise against buying any iron items on Dhanteras. This is due to the fact that iron is thought to be related to Shani Dev (Saturn) and therefore its purchase on this day is considered to be inauspicious by some families.

Rather, people like to buy goods made of gold, silver, brass or copper as a representation of prosperity and good luck.

3. Black-Coloured Clothes and Items

Black is considered an unlucky colour in a few Hindu festivals due to some rituals that associate black with inauspiciousness or bad luck.

For this reason, some households refrain from buying black-coloured clothes, footwear, accessories and house-hold items during Dhanteras. People usually prefer bright colours like yellow, red, saffron and golden as these colours represent happiness, positive energy and prosperity.

4. Glassware and Fragile Items

Certain regional traditions advise against buying glassware on Dhanteras. Since glass objects can break easily, they are symbolically associated with breakage and instability.

Therefore, some families may opt to buy metal cutlery instead of glass bowls, glass decor, and other fragile goods.

Nonetheless, the aforementioned notion is not accepted by all people who do not believe that buying glassware brings bad luck.

5. Oil and Ghee

On the contrary, some families refrain from buying oil and ghee on Dhanteras as part of their holiday traditions.

It is interesting to note that oil and ghee are the indispensable elements of Diwali preparations. The tradition relates to the purchase of these products on Dhanteras but not to the use of them during rituals.

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6. Leather Products

Some families may wish to avoid buying leather products like shoes, wallets, belts, and bags on Dhanteras.

The aforementioned tradition has its roots in the belief that certain materials cannot be used for celebration as they are not appropriate for an auspicious occasion.

7. Empty Utensils

Buying new utensils is considered one of the most popular Dhanteras traditions. However, some families believe that newly purchased utensils should not be brought home empty.

In reality, they fill up the new utensils with rice, wheat, sweets, water, or coriander seeds and then take them inside.

This humble practice stands for the act of inviting prosperity and goodness into their home.

Explore This Topic Further: Chhath Puja 2026: 4-Day Calendar, Dates & Puja Timings

Why Do People Avoid Certain Purchases on Dhanteras?

Dhanteras has been traditionally linked to welcoming Goddess Lakshmi for blessings regarding wealth, good health, and happiness.

Under some beliefs, buying precious metals and household items stands for prosperity and new opportunities. However, items representing disputes and problems are kept away from homes under the same beliefs.

However, Dhanteras also teaches people that prosperity is not all about material goods.

The Bhagavad Gita (9.26) states:

पत्रं पुष्पं फलं तोयं यो मे भक्त्या प्रयच्छति।

तदहं भक्त्युपहृतमश्नामि प्रयतात्मनः॥

Lord Krishna says that whoever offers a leaf, a flower, a fruit or water with devotion is lovingly accepted by Him.

The lesson shows how much sincerity and devotion mean in comparison with expensive offerings and purchases.

It is clear from the discussion on sanatangyan that traditional practices on festivals are meaningful ways of expressing faith.

Dhanteras 2026: Date and Puja Muhurat

Dhanteras will be observed on Friday, November 6, 2026. These are the timings as per the Panchang of New Delhi:

• Dhanteras Date: Friday, November 6, 2026

• Trayodashi Tithi Begins: 10:30 AM, November 6

• Trayodashi Tithi Ends: 10:47 AM, November 7

• Dhanteras Puja Muhurat: 6:02 PM to 7:57 PM

Timings mentioned above are for New Delhi. Puja timings vary as per the location, and therefore one must verify their Panchang before performing the Puja.

Dhanteras is an occasion to bring prosperity, joy, and good health into your house. Following these religious practices, keep in mind that it is more important to have faith and devotion rather than buying material things. May Goddess Lakshmi bless your house with abundance and joy.