Buying gold on Dhanteras 2026 धनतेरस — India's biggest gold-buying day
Muhurat (auspicious window): 6:48 PM to 8:13 PM IST (Pradosh Kaal)
Why buy gold on Dhanteras
Dhanteras marks the start of Diwali festivities. Hindu tradition holds that gold or silver bought on this day multiplies in value through Goddess Lakshmi's blessing. Indians collectively buy 25 to 35 tonnes of gold on this single day, double the volume of an average day.
Dhanteras gold rate — year-on-year
National 24K per gram on past Dhanteras dates. Numbers from our IBJA-sourced historical record.
| Year | Date | 24K (per g) | 22K (per g) | YoY change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 10 Nov 2023 | — | — | — |
| 2024 | 29 Oct 2024 | ₹8,340 | ₹7,639 | — |
| 2025 | 18 Oct 2025 | ₹13,378 | ₹12,254 | ▲ 60.4% |
Source: IBJA reference rate ± 3-day window. Today's rate (live): ₹16,222/g.
Dhanteras buying checklist
- Confirm BIS hallmark + 6-digit HUID on every piece
- Lock in price 1-2 days early — jewellers raise rates the day before
- Check making charges separately from gold rate (8 to 25%)
- Ask for the GST invoice — 3% on gold + making charges
- Buy from a BIS-licensed jeweller; verify the licence number
- Coins under 10g have lower making charge ratio than jewellery
- Compare with online platforms (Tanishq, CaratLane, Bluestone) for price benchmarks
Popular Dhanteras gift ideas
Dhanteras FAQ
What is the best time to buy gold on Dhanteras?
The pradosh kaal muhurat (roughly 6:00pm to 8:30pm IST on the festival day) is considered most auspicious. For practical reasons, many families buy in the morning to avoid evening crowds.
Is gold cheaper or expensive on Dhanteras?
Gold is typically 0.5 to 2% MORE expensive on Dhanteras due to demand. Buying 2-3 days early usually saves ₹100 to ₹400 per gram. The auspicious value doesn't change.
Should I buy digital gold or physical gold on Dhanteras?
Digital gold (PayTM, MMTC-PAMP, SafeGold) carries the same religious significance and avoids making charges + storage risk. Physical gold suits gifting and family traditions.
What weight of gold should I buy on Dhanteras?
A common range is 1g to 10g per family member. Even buying ₹1 worth of digital gold is considered auspicious. Tradition values intent over quantity.
Are silver coins valid Dhanteras buys?
Yes. Silver is considered equally auspicious. Lakshmi-Ganesh silver coins (5g, 10g, 20g) are traditional and cost a fraction of gold.
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