Diwali Gold 2026: Dates, Traditions and Where the Gold Price Stands

Diwali gold is gold bought for the Hindu festival of lights, traditionally on Dhanteras, the first day of the five-day festival. This year, families in the UK and around the world are marking Diwali at a time when the gold price is clearly lower than it was earlier in 2026. This guide covers the 2026 dates, the meaning behind the tradition, the current price context and which Diwali gold bars StoneX Bullion offers.

When are Dhanteras and Diwali 2026?

Dhanteras 2026 falls on Friday 6 November, and Diwali, the main day of Lakshmi Puja, falls on Sunday 8 November 2026. According to Drik Panchang, the Dhanteras puja muhurat in New Delhi runs from 18:02 to 19:57 local time, and the Lakshmi Puja muhurat on 8 November runs from 17:54 to 19:50. Exact times vary by city.

• Dhanteras: Friday 6 November 2026 (Trayodashi from 6 November, 10:30, to 7 November, 10:47, New Delhi time)
• Diwali / Lakshmi Puja: Sunday 8 November 2026 (Amavasya from 8 November, 11:27, to 9 November, 12:31, New Delhi time)

If you plan to give gold for the festival, order early enough. Information on shipping costs is available in our shop.

Why is gold bought on Dhanteras and Diwali?

Gold is bought on Dhanteras because the day honours Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and Kubera, the god of riches. Buying precious metal on Dhanteras is seen as an auspicious way to invite prosperity into the new year. Gold coins and small bars, often of 24-carat purity, are popular choices.

Many families buy gold as a gift for relatives or as a lasting keepsake, rather than for its value alone. Pure gold bars with Lakshmi motifs combine both: a recognised fine gold product from a known refiner and a design that reflects the festival.

Where does the gold price stand ahead of Diwali 2026?

As of 30 October 2026, the LBMA Gold Price was well below its record of January 2026. The all-time high was set on 29 January 2026 (LBMA). Since then, the price has fallen back noticeably. Gold prices change daily, so the current figure is on our live gold price chart.

The LBMA Gold Price is the global benchmark for gold, set twice each business day in London through an electronic auction. Many dealers and central banks use it as a reference.

What a lower price means for each buyer depends on their personal situation. Past price movements are no indication of future developments. This article does not provide investment advice.

How strong is gold demand in India?

Demand for gold bars and coins in India remained solid in 2026. According to the World Gold Council (WGC), Indian demand for bars and coins reached 50.3 tonnes in Q2 2026, up 9% year on year. Jewellery demand fell to 75.1 tonnes, down 15%. The WGC described buyers as price-sensitive.

Central banks are also buying: according to the WGC, the People's Bank of China added 63 tonnes of gold in Q3 2026, its 23rd consecutive month of purchases. The WGC's Q3 2026 figures for India, covering the start of the festival season, are expected in early November.

Which Diwali gold bars does StoneX Bullion offer?

StoneX Bullion offers dedicated Diwali gold bars from two well-known producers, the Royal Canadian Mint and PAMP. Both bars feature traditional festival motifs and are made of fine gold. Alongside them, small gold bars and coins from 1 g are a popular choice as a Diwali gift.

• 10g Diwali Gold Bar | Royal Canadian Mint: a Diwali design from the Canadian state mint.
• 5g Gold Bar | PAMP | Diwali Lakshmi & Sacred Cow: Lakshmi motif from the Swiss refiner PAMP.

StoneX Bullion is part of StoneX Group and an LBMA Affiliate member, with more than 150,000 customers. Prices are shown live in the shop.

What size of gold is a good Diwali gift?

A good Diwali gift size depends on budget and purpose. Small bars of 1 g to 10 g are the most common festival gifts. Divisible bars such as CombiBars can be split into 1 g pieces for several family members. Gold coins are an alternative.

• 1 g: a small, symbolic gift, for example the 1g Gold Bar | Valcambi
• 5 x 1 g: divisible, for several recipients: 5 x 1g CombiBar Valcambi or all CombiBars
• 5 g: the PAMP Diwali bar or the 5g Gold Bar | PAMP Fortuna
• 10 g: the Royal Canadian Mint Diwali bar or the 10g Gold Bar | PAMP Fortuna
• Coins: the Sovereign Charles III 2027 or the 1/10 oz Britannia 2026

If you prefer jewellery, browse our 22- and 24-carat gold jewellery. All bars are in our gold bars category.

What should UK buyers know about VAT and CGT?

Investment gold is generally exempt from VAT in the UK under HMRC VAT Notice 701/21. UK legal tender gold coins such as the Sovereign and the Britannia are also free of Capital Gains Tax (CGT). Our CGT-free investments category lists these coins.

Orders to the UK are currently shipped from Germany. Tax treatment depends on your personal circumstances; this is not tax advice.

This article is for information only and is not investment or tax advice. Sources: Drik Panchang, LBMA, World Gold Council, HMRC (as of 2 November 2026).

Frequently asked questions

When is Dhanteras 2026?

Dhanteras 2026 falls on Friday 6 November. According to Drik Panchang, the puja muhurat in New Delhi runs from 18:02 to 19:57 local time; times vary by city. Diwali follows on Sunday 8 November 2026.

Why do people buy gold on Dhanteras?

Dhanteras honours Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, and Kubera, the god of wealth. Buying gold or other precious metal on this day is traditionally considered auspicious for the year ahead.

Can I buy Lakshmi gold bars in the UK?

Yes. StoneX Bullion offers the 5g PAMP Diwali Lakshmi & Sacred Cow gold bar and the 10g Diwali Gold Bar from the Royal Canadian Mint, with insured shipping to the UK.

What gold is a good Diwali gift?

Small gold bars of 1 g to 10 g and gold coins are the most common Diwali gifts. Divisible CombiBars let you share 1 g pieces among several family members.

Is gold VAT-free in the UK?

Investment gold is generally exempt from VAT in the UK under HMRC VAT Notice 701/21. This information is general and does not constitute tax advice.

How is the gold price set?

The LBMA Gold Price is the global benchmark, set twice each business day in London through an electronic auction. StoneX Bullion shows the current gold price live in its shop and on its gold price chart.