What to Wear on Dhanteras 2026 (Friday 6 November): Colours and Kurta Set Ideas, No Saree Needed

Dhanteras 2026 falls on Friday 6 November, two days before Diwali. The colours most families reach for are yellow and gold for prosperity, red and pink for Lakshmi, and green for growth — and none of them needs a saree. A yellow or green printed kurta set with a dupatta is the easiest way to wear them: festive for the evening puja, practical for a day spent in jewellery and utensil shops. At Siaraa those sets run ₹1,399 to ₹1,799.

Siaraa is an Indian online women's fashion brand — a trademark of Bright & Bloom Private Limited — selling its own catalogue of kurtas, kurtis, tops, dresses, Anarkalis and kurta sets. It is not a marketplace, and it sells no sarees, lehengas or jewellery, so this guide covers the outfit, not the gold.

Dhanteras 2026: the date and what the day actually involves

Dhanteras is the Krishna Trayodashi of Kartik, and in 2026 that is Friday 6 November. It opens the five days of Diwali: Choti Diwali and Lakshmi Puja both fall on Sunday 8 November, and Bhai Dooj follows on 10 or 11 November depending on the panchang you follow. The puja muhurat is in the evening and changes by city, so check drikpanchang.com for yours.

The day itself has two halves, and they want different things from an outfit:

• Daytime is shopping. Buying gold, silver or a new steel utensil is the custom, which means crowded markets, queues at the jeweller and a lot of walking. Comfort beats drape.
• Evening is the puja. Diyas at the door, Dhanvantari and Lakshmi puja, family photographs in warm, low light. That is where colour and a dupatta earn their place.

A kurta set handles both without a change of clothes.

The Dhanteras colours, and what each one means

There is no single rule, and families differ. These are the colours most commonly recommended for the day and the reason usually given:

Black is the colour most families avoid on Dhanteras. If your household has its own rule, follow it over any table.

Yellow: the default Dhanteras colour

Yellow is the most widely suggested shade for the day, because it stands in for the gold you buy. The yellow floral halter neck kurta set is the brightest yellow Siaraa makes — an A-line, calf-length kurta in pure cotton. It is sleeveless with a halter neck, so in early November evenings in North India you will want the dupatta over your shoulders, or a light layer.

If you would rather have sleeves, the cream and mustard angrakha set reads as a softer gold, ties across the front, and comes with trousers and a dupatta, three-quarter sleeves and side slits.

Green: the colour that photographs best under diyas

Green works well in warm diya light where pastels wash out. Two options:

• Floral printed green kurta with orange palazzos, ₹1,799 — a straight, calf-length boat-neck kurta with contrasting orange palazzos. Green and orange together is about as festive as a two-colour outfit gets.
• Sea green ethnic motifs kurta set, ₹1,499 — an A-line kurta with trousers and a printed dupatta. The quieter choice.

Red: available as a top, not a set

Red is the colour most associated with Lakshmi. Said plainly: Siaraa's red kurta set is sold out this season, so red is available here as a single piece rather than a set.

• Red floral A-line ethnic top, ₹999 — V-neck, long sleeves. Wear it over palazzos or straight pants you already own.
• Maroon floral kurti, ₹799 — a straight cotton kurti in XS to XXL, if maroon counts as red in your home.

If you are re-wearing for Diwali

Dhanteras and Lakshmi Puja are two days apart. If you would rather buy one outfit, wear the lighter, simpler piece on Dhanteras — when you are out shopping — and the dressier three-piece on Diwali night. The full Diwali plan, including Anarkalis, is in Diwali outfit ideas 2026, and the day after is covered in what to wear on Bhai Dooj.

Order by when

Shipping is free across India and returns are open for 5 days. To swap a size and still have the right one by Friday 6 November, order by the last week of October. Kurta sets come in S to XXL; kurtas and kurtis also in XS. Check the size chart before you order — Siaraa's M is a 38, L a 40 and XL a 42.

FAQ

When is Dhanteras in 2026?

Dhanteras 2026 is on Friday 6 November, on Kartik Krishna Trayodashi. Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) follows on Sunday 8 November. The evening puja muhurat varies by city, so check a panchang for your location.

Which colour should I wear on Dhanteras?

Yellow and gold are the most common choices, for prosperity. Red and pink are associated with Lakshmi, and green with growth. Most families avoid black on the day. Your family's custom takes priority over any general list.

Can I wear a kurta set instead of a saree on Dhanteras?

Yes. A printed kurta set with a dupatta is fully appropriate for the Dhanteras puja and is far more practical for a day spent shopping in crowded markets. Choose a festive colour like yellow, green or red and keep the dupatta over your shoulders for the puja.

Is it okay to wear black on Dhanteras?

Many families avoid black on Dhanteras and Diwali because it is considered inauspicious for a Lakshmi puja. It is a custom rather than a rule, but if you are unsure, choose yellow, red, green or pink instead.

Should I buy new clothes on Dhanteras?

Dhanteras is traditionally a day for buying gold, silver or metal utensils. New clothes are commonly bought for Diwali itself. Wearing something new on Dhanteras is common but not required.