What is Dhanteras?
Dhanteras is the first day of the five-day Diwali festival. The name comes from two words: dhan, meaning wealth, and teras, meaning the thirteenth day of the lunar fortnight. It falls on the thirteenth day (Trayodashi) of the dark fortnight of the month of Kartik.
The day is associated with wealth and health. Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods and the source of Ayurveda, is worshipped on this day, and in many homes Lakshmi and Kubera are also remembered. Families clean their homes, light lamps at the entrance and buy something new, usually metal.
The stories behind the custom
Several stories are told about Dhanteras, and different families remember different ones.
The churning of the ocean
According to the Puranas, when the gods and the demons churned the ocean of milk, Dhanvantari emerged on this day holding a pot of amrit, the nectar of immortality. Because he came out carrying a vessel, buying a metal vessel or utensil has become part of the day. It is a way of welcoming good health and plenty into the home.
The story of the prince and Yama
Another popular story tells of a young prince whose horoscope said he would die from a snake bite on the fourth day after his wedding. His new wife, on that night, piled her jewellery and silver coins at the door and lit lamps all around. When Yama, the god of death, arrived disguised as a snake, the glitter and the lamps dazzled him. He sat listening to her songs and stories through the night and left at dawn without harming the prince.
This is why many households light a lamp facing south on Dhanteras night, known as the Yama Deepam, and why coins and metal are placed at the door in some homes. Silver, with its bright shine, plays a part in the story.
Lakshmi's arrival
For many families Dhanteras is also the day when the home is prepared for Lakshmi, who is worshipped two days later on Diwali night. Buying something auspicious and keeping the house clean and bright is a way of making ready.
These are traditions, not facts of history, and we share them as they are told. What matters for the buyer is that the custom is long-standing and meaningful to a great many families.
Why buy metal at all?
Dhanteras is a day for buying lasting things. Traditionally, the belief is that whatever you buy on this day brings growth through the year, so people prefer items that endure and can be handed down. Metal fits this. Gold, silver, brass, copper and steel are all common purchases, from a gram of gold to a kitchen vessel.
There is also a practical side. For generations, Dhanteras was the time of year when traders and families closed their books, settled accounts and invested in something solid before the new year began. Buying metal was a way of saving as well as a way of marking the festival.
Why silver in particular?
Silver has its own place in the tradition, for a few reasons.
It carries a sense of purity and calm
In Indian belief, silver is linked to the moon, which stands for coolness, peace and the mind. Many families see silver as a pure metal, and it is used in puja items such as lamps, plates, bowls and idols. Giving or buying silver at Dhanteras carries that sense of calm and clarity.
It is used in worship
Silver is commonly used for Lakshmi Ganesh coins, murtis, puja thalis and kalash. A silver coin bought on Dhanteras can be worshipped on Diwali night and kept in the puja room through the year. This direct link between buying and worship is one reason silver is so popular at this festival. The full ritual is in our Diwali Lakshmi Puja vidhi guide.
It fits every budget
Gold rises in price and is out of reach for many families as a festival purchase. Silver lets almost anyone take part. A small coin, a boxed set or a puja item can be bought for a few hundred rupees, which means the tradition is open to students, young couples and families who prefer to spend modestly.
It is easy to give and easy to keep
A silver coin is small, travels well and is easy to store. It makes a gift that can be held for years, and it can be passed to the next generation with the same blessing it carried on the day it was bought.
It has lasting value
Silver is a metal people have kept and traded for centuries. Its value moves with the market, so it is not fixed, but a coin bought with a certificate and kept safely is a tangible asset. We do not quote a current silver rate in this guide, because it changes constantly. Check a reliable source on the day you buy.
Silver coin, silver utensil or silver idol?
If you have decided on silver, the next question is what form to buy. Each option has its place.
- Silver coin: The most popular choice. It can carry Lakshmi, Ganesh or both, is worshipped on Diwali and is easy to keep. It suits almost every budget.
- Silver murti: A small idol of Lakshmi and Ganesh suits families who want a permanent display in the puja room.
- Silver utensils and puja items: A glass, bowl, plate or diya is a classic Dhanteras purchase. It is useful in daily life as well as in worship.
- Silver jewellery: Anklets, rings or bracelets suit those who want something to wear, though jewellery often includes making charges.
- Silver bar or biscuit: For those who see silver mainly as a holding rather than a gift.
Silver coin options and prices
Our Diwali collection lists coins and gift boxes in a range of weights. The prices below were read from the site on 9 October 2026. They move with the market, so check the product page on the day you buy.
| Option | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Laxmi Ji, round shape | 1 g | ₹420 |
| Divine Blessings Laxmi Ganesh gift box | 1 g | ₹520 |
| Divine Blessings Laxmi Ganesh gift box | 2 g | ₹870 |
| Divine Blessings Laxmi Ganesh Saraswati gift box | 3 g | ₹1,070 |
| Diwali Divine Trio, UV coin set | 3 g | ₹1,280 |
| Divine Blessings Laxmi Ganesh gift box | 10 g | ₹2,890 |
You can see the full range in our Diwali silver coins collection. Each Chotteylal coin comes with a certificate of authenticity and a buy-back guarantee.
How much silver should you buy?
There is no required amount. The tradition is about buying something, not buying a lot. Many families follow one of these approaches.
Buy one coin for the puja
A single coin for Lakshmi and Ganesh is enough to take part in the custom.
Buy one coin per family member
Some households buy a small coin for every person at home, often for children as their first piece of silver.
Buy a larger piece once every few years
Others save over the year and buy a heavier coin or murti on Dhanteras.
Buy for gifting
Some families buy a few small coins for relatives, staff and friends.
Silver or gold on Dhanteras?
This is the question most buyers ask. Gold is the traditional favourite, and silver is the accessible one. The right choice depends on your budget, your goal and your family's customs. Many households buy both: a small gold item and a silver coin for the puja. We compare them in more depth in our guide to silver vs gold on Dhanteras.
Common beliefs and what to make of them
Some beliefs around Dhanteras are widely repeated. It helps to know which are tradition and which are practice.
- "You must buy on the exact muhurat.": Many families prefer to buy within the auspicious window, but timings differ by panchang. If you cannot, buying earlier in the day or the day before is common, and many people buy a few days ahead to avoid the rush.
- "You must buy something new.": The custom is to bring something new into the home, though what you buy is up to you.
- "Never buy iron or black items.": Some families avoid buying iron, sharp objects or black items on Dhanteras. Others do not. Follow your family's practice.
- "Empty containers should not be brought home.": In some families, a new vessel is filled with rice, sweets or water before it enters the house.
- "The more you buy, the more you gain.": The tradition does not say this. It is the act of buying with intent that matters.
How to buy silver safely
Buying silver is straightforward, but a few checks protect you.
Buy from a trusted seller
A long-standing jeweller with a physical store is easier to rely on than an unknown online listing.
Check the purity mark
Look for the hallmark or purity stamp on the coin or item, and ask the seller what it means.
Ask for a certificate and invoice
A coin should come with a certificate of authenticity and a proper bill with weight and price.
Understand the price
Ask how the final price is made up. Coins usually carry a small making or packaging charge on top of the metal value.
Check the buy-back terms
If you may want to sell later, ask what the seller will pay and under what conditions.
Inspect the packaging
The box should be sealed and undamaged when you receive it.
Store it safely
Keep the coin in its box or pouch, away from damp.
How to use your silver coin on Dhanteras and Diwali
Once you have your coin, here is a simple way to use it.
Clean the puja area
Spread a clean red or yellow cloth.
Place the coin
Put the coin on the cloth, beside Ganesh and Lakshmi, or place it in the kalash on Diwali.
Offer flowers and light a lamp
A few fresh flowers, a small diya and a sweet are enough.
Say a short prayer
Ask for health, wealth and peace for the family.
Keep the coin afterwards
Many families store it in the puja room or a locker and bring it out again each Diwali.
What families do at home on Dhanteras
Buying is only one part of the day. Most households follow a few simple customs.
- Clean the house: Homes are cleaned before Dhanteras so that they are ready to welcome prosperity.
- Draw rangoli at the entrance: Small footprints and patterns welcome Lakshmi.
- Light the Yama Deepam: At night, a lamp is lit facing south, usually at the entrance or in the courtyard.
- Worship Dhanvantari: Some families pray for health, and doctors and Ayurveda practitioners often mark the day as Dhanvantari Jayanti.
- Worship Lakshmi and Kubera: In many homes, a short prayer is offered in the evening, with the newly bought items placed before the deity.
- Bring home the new purchase: The coin, utensil or jewellery is brought in, placed in the puja area and often marked with roli and rice.
A simple Dhanteras day plan
Planning the day helps, especially if the markets are busy.
A week before
Decide on your budget and your list, and check what is available.
Three days before
Visit the store or place the order, so that delivery and gift packing are done in time.
Dhanteras morning
Clean the puja area and the entrance, and set out the cloth and lamps.
Evening muhurat
Place the new purchase before the deity, light the lamps and offer a short prayer.
Night
Light the Yama Deepam at the door or in the courtyard.
Mistakes to avoid when buying silver
A few common slips are easy to avoid.
- Waiting until the last evening: Stores are crowded, stock runs low and staff have little time for questions.
- Buying only on price: A very cheap coin with no certificate or hallmark is a risk. Check what you are getting.
- Ignoring the weight on the label: Check that the weight on the box matches the weight on the bill.
- Forgetting the invoice: You will need it for any later exchange or buy-back.
- Over-polishing: Rubbing a coin with abrasive cloths can wear away the design. A soft dry cloth is enough.
- Storing it loose: Loose coins scratch each other. Keep each one in its own pouch or box.
Silver in Indian homes through the year
Dhanteras is not the only time silver appears in Indian life. It is given to newborns as anklets and spoons, and to brides as part of the trousseau. It is used in puja thalis, in kumkum boxes and in lamps for daily worship. At weddings and at Raksha Bandhan, silver gifts are common. Because it is part of so many life events, a silver coin bought on Dhanteras joins a long line of family keepsakes. That continuity is part of why people value it.
How to care for silver
Silver is soft and can darken over time with exposure to air and moisture. These habits keep it bright.
- Store it in its box or pouch.
- Wipe it with a soft dry cloth after handling.
- Keep it away from harsh cleaners, perfumes and household chemicals.
- If it darkens, wipe gently with a clean silver cloth.
Ideas for buying silver on Dhanteras at different stages of life
For a newly married couple
Buy a Laxmi Ganesh coin or murti for your first Diwali together. It starts a tradition you can carry on each year.
For parents with young children
Buy a small coin for each child, and add one every year. By adulthood, they will have a set to keep.
For elders
A silver diya, glass or puja thali is useful in daily worship and carries meaning.
For business owners
Buy a coin to place in the cash box or office puja, and a few small coins to give to staff and clients.
For first-time buyers on a tight budget
Start with a 1 g coin. It is affordable and fully valid for the custom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people buy silver on Dhanteras?
Because the day is associated with wealth and good fortune, and metal is traditionally bought to welcome them. Silver is pure, auspicious, used in worship and affordable.
Is buying silver on Dhanteras auspicious?
Yes, many families consider silver auspicious, along with gold, brass and other metals.
When is Dhanteras in 2026?
Friday, 6 November 2026. Check your local panchang for the muhurat.
What is the best silver item to buy on Dhanteras?
A Lakshmi Ganesh coin is the most popular. Utensils, murtis and puja items are also common.
Can I buy silver the day before Dhanteras?
Many people do, to avoid crowds. Some prefer to buy on the day itself within the muhurat. Follow your family's practice.
How do I check if a silver coin is genuine?
Buy from a trusted seller, look for the purity mark, and ask for a certificate and bill.
Should I buy silver or gold on Dhanteras?
It depends on your budget and goal. Silver is easier to buy in small amounts, and many families buy both.
Does a silver coin have to be worshipped?
Not necessarily. Many people worship it on Diwali and then keep it. Others simply keep it as a gift or asset.
What should I avoid buying on Dhanteras?
Some families avoid iron, sharp objects and black items. Customs vary.
A tradition worth keeping
Dhanteras is a day of beginnings. Whether you buy a 1 g coin or a larger piece, you are taking part in a custom that has lasted for generations and that families use to welcome health and prosperity. Silver makes that custom open to everyone. If you would like to see the coins in person, you are welcome at either of our showrooms in Karol Bagh and Gurgaon, where our team can help you choose a weight and a gift box.
Timing note: Traditions, festival dates, prices, purity, certificate and buy-back details were preserved from the supplied article. Refresh live prices and commercial terms, and confirm local festival timings before publication.