When is Dhanteras 2026?

Dhanteras 2026 falls on Friday, 6 November 2026 (13th day of Krishna Paksha in Kartik month). It is the single biggest gold-buying day in India, marking the beginning of Diwali celebrations. Jewellery shops typically see 3-5 times their normal daily sales.

What is Akshaya Tritiya and why do people buy gold?

Akshaya Tritiya falls on the 3rd day of Shukla Paksha in Vaishakh (April/May). 'Akshaya' means 'that which never diminishes' — anything acquired on this day is believed to grow and never decrease. It is the second-largest gold-buying day in India after Dhanteras.

What is Pushya Nakshatra and when does it occur?

Pushya is considered the most nourishing and auspicious of the 27 nakshatras (lunar constellations). It occurs roughly once a month when the moon passes through the Pushya constellation. Gold purchased during Pushya Nakshatra is believed to bring sustained growth. Check a Hindu panchangam for exact dates.

Which month has the cheapest gold prices in India?

Gold prices in India tend to be lowest during July-August when demand dips and there are no major festivals. October (Dhanteras, Diwali) and November-December (wedding season) see peak demand and the highest premiums. Buying in the off-season can save 2-4% on the same gold.

Is it compulsory to buy gold on Dhanteras?

There is no compulsion — it is a cultural tradition. Buying gold or silver on Dhanteras is believed to invite Lakshmi (goddess of wealth) into your home. Many families buy at least a small gold coin or silver item. The auspiciousness applies equally to any amount.

What are the best auspicious days to buy gold in 2026?

The top auspicious days for gold buying in 2026 are Akshaya Tritiya (April/May), Dhanteras (6 November), Navratri Ashtami/Navami (September-October and March-April), Dussehra, and monthly Pushya Nakshatra days. Gudi Padwa and regional harvest festivals are also considered auspicious.

Do gold prices increase on Dhanteras and Akshaya Tritiya?

Yes, gold prices often carry a slight premium (1-3%) on high-demand days like Dhanteras due to surging demand. If you are buying a large amount, consider ordering a few weeks early at normal rates and collecting on the auspicious day to get the best of both worlds.

Cultural Guide

Auspicious Days to Buy Gold

In Indian culture, certain days are considered especially auspicious for buying gold. It's believed that gold purchased on these days brings prosperity and good fortune.

Dhanteras

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13th day of Krishna Paksha in Kartik (Oct/Nov)

The single biggest gold-buying day in India. 'Dhan' means wealth, 'Teras' means 13th. Marks the beginning of Diwali celebrations. Buying gold or silver on this day is believed to invite Lakshmi (goddess of wealth) into your home.

Tradition

Families buy at least a small gold coin or piece of silver on this day. Jewellery shops see their highest sales — often 3-5× a normal day.

Buying Tip

Prices tend to be higher due to demand. If buying large amounts, consider ordering a few weeks early and collecting on Dhanteras.

Akshaya Tritiya

★★★★★

3rd day of Shukla Paksha in Vaishakh (Apr/May)

'Akshaya' means 'that which never diminishes'. It's believed that anything acquired on this day — gold, property, knowledge — will grow and never decrease. This is the most auspicious day for new beginnings and investments.

Tradition

Second-largest gold buying day after Dhanteras. Many people start gold SIPs or buy their first gold piece on this date.

Buying Tip

Less crowded than Dhanteras but equally auspicious. A great day to start building your gold collection.

Pushya Nakshatra

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When the moon passes through Pushya constellation (monthly)

Pushya is considered the most nourishing and auspicious of the 27 nakshatras. Gold purchased during Pushya Nakshatra is believed to bring sustained growth and prosperity.

Tradition

Occurs roughly once a month. Many serious gold buyers time their purchases to Pushya Nakshatra days. Check a Hindu calendar or panchangam for exact dates.

Buying Tip

This is the insider's choice — less demand means normal prices, but equal auspiciousness. Ask your jeweller when the next Pushya Nakshatra falls.

Navratri

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9 nights in Ashwin (Sept/Oct) and Chaitra (Mar/Apr)

Nine nights dedicated to Goddess Durga. The 8th day (Ashtami) and 9th day (Navami) are particularly auspicious for buying gold. Many families gift gold to daughters during this period.

Tradition

Kanjak puja on Ashtami often includes gifting gold to young girls. New purchases for the festive season are common.

Buying Tip

Chaitra Navratri (March/April) is less crowded than Sharad Navratri — equally auspicious for gold buying.

Gudi Padwa / Ugadi

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Hindu New Year — Chaitra Shukla Pratipada (Mar/Apr)

The Hindu New Year. Starting the year with a gold purchase symbolises a prosperous year ahead. Widely celebrated in Maharashtra (Gudi Padwa), Karnataka/Andhra (Ugadi), and Sindhi (Cheti Chand) communities.

Tradition

Gold shops offer special designs and discounts. Many people buy their first gold piece of the year.

Buying Tip

Often falls close to Akshaya Tritiya — you can plan both purchases in the same season.

Dussehra / Vijayadashami

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10th day of Navratri (Sept/Oct)

The day of victory — Lord Rama's triumph over Ravana. Anything started on this day is believed to succeed. Traditionally auspicious for new purchases, new ventures, and gold buying.

Tradition

Warriors would worship their weapons; today people buy gold, start businesses, or begin new projects.

Buying Tip

Good day for that first purchase if you've been planning. The victory symbolism adds meaning to gold buying.

Onam / Pongal / Makar Sankranti

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Regional harvest festivals (Jan/Aug)

Harvest festivals celebrate abundance. In Kerala (Onam), Tamil Nadu (Pongal), and across North India (Makar Sankranti), gold buying during harvest season symbolises converting the year's prosperity into lasting wealth.

Tradition

Kerala sees massive gold sales during Onam — it's the state's biggest gold buying season. Tamil Nadu sees similar patterns during Pongal.

Buying Tip

Regional jewellers often offer special collections and competitive making charges during these festivals.

Gold Buying Calendar

Month	Occasion	Demand	Prices
January	Makar Sankranti, Pongal	Medium	Normal
March-April	Gudi Padwa, Navratri, Akshaya Tritiya	High	Slightly higher
July-August	None major	Low	Often lowest
August-September	Onam (Kerala)	Regional high	Normal
October	Navratri, Dussehra, Dhanteras, Diwali	Highest	Peak premium
November-December	Wedding season	Very High	Above average

Remember: While auspicious days add cultural meaning to your gold purchase, the best day to buy gold is any day your budget allows. Gold is always a good investment — don't wait for a specific date if you're ready.

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