Why gold and silver are bought on Dhanteras
Dhanteras falls two days before Diwali, on the thirteenth day of the dark half of Kartik. Buying metal on the day is held to bring wealth into the home for the year ahead, so gold, silver and new utensils are the traditional purchases. A silver coin with Lakshmi and Ganesh, kept for the Diwali puja, is the most common of all.
Gold or silver: what each budget buys today
| Budget | Silver coin | 24K gold coin | 22K jewellery |
|---|---|---|---|
| ₹2,100 | 9.4 g | 0.14 g | 0.14 g |
| ₹5,100 | 23 g | 0.33 g | 0.34 g |
| ₹11,000 | 49 g | 0.72 g | 0.72 g |
| ₹21,000 | 94 g | 1.4 g | 1.4 g |
| ₹51,000 | 228 g | 3.3 g | 3.4 g |
Under about ₹15,379, the price of a 1 gram gold coin today, silver is the better buy: a 20 to 50 gram coin or a small utensil. Above it, a gold coin keeps the most value, since it carries no making charge.
What to buy on Dhanteras
- A silver coin with Lakshmi-Ganesh, for the puja: 10 to 20 grams is usual.
- A gold coin of 1, 2 or 5 grams, if the budget allows; see coin prices.
- Silver utensils: a glass, a bowl or a small plate for the puja.
- Gold jewellery: many families buy the year’s wedding or gift jewellery on the day.
Buying on the day
- The rate is the day’s market rate; check it on the gold rate in India page before you go.
- Shops are busiest in the evening; many jewellers take orders in advance at the day’s rate.
- Buy hallmarked gold and 925 or 999 silver, and keep the bill.
- By custom, many avoid buying iron, sharp objects or black items on the day.
Questions
- Should I buy gold or silver on Dhanteras?
- Both are traditional. Under about ₹15,379, the price of a 1 gram gold coin today, silver goes further; above it, a gold coin keeps the most value.
- What should I buy on Dhanteras in silver?
- A silver coin with Lakshmi and Ganesh for the Diwali puja, 10 to 20 grams, or a silver glass or bowl. A 10 gram 999 silver coin costs about ₹2,238 today.
- What should not be bought on Dhanteras?
- By custom, many avoid iron, sharp objects such as knives and scissors, and black items on the day.