Dhanteras 2026 in Richardson: Events, Puja & Where to Celebrate

TL;DR

• 🪔 Dhanteras 2026 falls on October 20, marking the start of the Diwali five-day festival
• 💎 Richardson has established South Asian jewelers for buying gold and silver on this auspicious day
• 🛕 Shri Krishna Mandir hosts puja programs during the Dhanteras and Diwali period
• 🕌 IANT Masjid on Abrams Road anchors a busy Ramadan and Islamic community calendar nearby
• 📅 Community events and celebrations run from October through November in the Richardson area

Dhanteras, observed on the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Kartik, opens the five-day Diwali festival with the worship of Lakshmi and Dhanvantari. It is considered the most auspicious day of the year for purchasing gold, silver, and new vessels — an act that is understood to invite prosperity into the household for the coming year. In Richardson, Texas, which sits at the center of one of the largest South Asian populations in North Texas, Dhanteras brings families together at temples and jewelers across the city.

Where to Buy Gold and Silver for Dhanteras in Richardson

Ashok Gopaldas Jewelers is one of the area's long-established South Asian jewelry businesses, known for traditional gold and silver jewelry in Indian designs. The jeweler serves the North Texas Desi community with collections spanning 22-karat gold sets, silver puja items, and bridal jewelry. Visit ashokgopaldas.com for current showroom hours during the Dhanteras-Diwali period.

Aashirwad Jewellers is a Richardson-area South Asian jeweler with a focused selection of gold and silver pieces suited to traditional Indian gifting occasions. Dhanteras purchasers often look for silver coins stamped with Lakshmi or Ganesh imagery, silver utensils, and lightweight gold bangles — categories where Aashirwad typically carries a curated selection. Check aashirwadjewellers.com for Dhanteras week hours.

Custom Jewelers of Richardson offers customization services for clients who want unique pieces crafted to specific designs, an option popular among Richardson's South Asian community for both religious occasions and bridal purposes.

Puja and Temple Programs During Dhanteras and Diwali

Shri Krishna Mandir in Richardson serves the area's Hindu community with puja programs and festival observances throughout the Diwali season. The mandir's Dhanteras puja typically includes Lakshmi and Dhanvantari worship, aarti, and prasadam distribution. Visit shrikrishnamandir.org for the 2026 festival calendar, which will include exact puja timings.

The mandir also hosts Narak Chaturdashi and main Diwali programs in the days following Dhanteras, making it a continuous center of activity through the five-day celebration period. Families traditionally visit the temple in the evening of Dhanteras after shopping for gold or silver.

Community Life in Richardson

Richardson's South Asian community is large and active, with significant concentrations of Gujarati, Telugu, Tamil, and North Indian families who have made the city their home over the past three decades. The IANT Masjid at 840 Abrams Road serves the city's Muslim community — including South Asian Muslim families — with a year-round schedule of religious programs, educational events, and community services. While Dhanteras is a Hindu festival, Richardson's broader South Asian calendar reflects the diversity of the community, with Muslim, Sikh, and secular cultural events running alongside Hindu festival seasons.

Insider Tip: On Dhanteras, the best time to visit South Asian jewelers in Richardson is late morning on the festival day itself. Most serious buyers arrive at opening to get first selection on silver coins and small gold items, which sell quickly. If you plan to buy a larger piece, call ahead a day or two to ask what the jeweler is stocking especially for Dhanteras.

FAQ

What is the significance of buying gold on Dhanteras? Dhanteras is dedicated to Dhanvantari, the divine physician, and Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Purchasing gold, silver, or new metal vessels on this day is believed to bring abundance and health to the household in the coming year. Even a small purchase — a silver coin, a small gold earring — carries the auspicious intention.

Can non-Hindus visit Shri Krishna Mandir during Diwali? Yes. Most Hindu temples in Richardson welcome visitors of all backgrounds during festival periods. Dress modestly, remove shoes at the entrance, and follow the flow of devotees into the sanctum. The Diwali period is particularly welcoming, as the festive atmosphere tends to be warm and community-oriented.

What else is purchased on Dhanteras besides gold? Silver utensils, stainless steel cookware, new brooms (to welcome Lakshmi), and electronics are all traditional Dhanteras purchases. Many families also buy new clothing for the Diwali celebrations.

Is Dhanteras 2026 a public holiday in Texas? No, Dhanteras is not a public holiday in Texas. Most South Asian families take a personal or vacation day for the Diwali period, or schedule their temple visits and shopping for the weekend closest to the holiday.

Where can I find a complete Diwali community events calendar for Richardson? Check Shri Krishna Mandir's official website and local Indian community groups on social media for updated event listings. Our Richardson city page also aggregates local South Asian events.

Bottom Line

Dhanteras 2026 gives Richardson's South Asian community the same occasion it has for generations: a day to visit the jeweler, pray for prosperity, and open the Diwali season. Ashok Gopaldas Jewelers, Aashirwad Jewellers, and Shri Krishna Mandir are central to how that tradition unfolds in the city. Check each venue's website for 2026-specific hours and programs as the festival approaches.