Dhanteras 2026: How to Gift Coins and Shagun the Right Way

Dhanteras opens the five days of Diwali, and in most Indian homes it is the day to bring home something of gold, silver or brass. In 2026, Dhanteras falls on Friday, 6 November, with Lakshmi Puja on Sunday, 8 November. Many families also use this day to gift coins to loved ones – a small silver sikka for a child, a gold ginni for a new bahu, or a coin for parents. Here is a simple guide to gifting coins and shagun this Dhanteras, the way it feels right.

Why coins are gifted on Dhanteras

The name comes from dhan (wealth) and teras (the thirteenth day of the lunar fortnight). The day is linked with Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera and Lord Dhanvantari, and buying metal is believed to invite prosperity into the home. A coin is a lovely gift because it is small, lasting and full of blessing. Many coins carry images of Lakshmi-Ganesh, and families often keep them in the puja thali and use them again in next year’s puja.

Who to gift a Dhanteras coin to

• Children in the family – a small silver coin they can save, often with a little cash shagun.
• A new daughter-in-law or son-in-law – their first Diwali in the family is special, and a ginni is a classic blessing.
• Parents and elders – a coin for their puja, given with respect.
• Newly married couples and friends – a coin plus shagun makes a thoughtful pairing.

There is no fixed rule on the weight or value of the coin. Families follow their own customs and budget – what matters is the blessing behind it.

How to present a coin beautifully

A coin handed over in a plastic pouch loses some of its charm. A proper box makes it feel like a keepsake. Our new Wooden Square Ginni Coin Box is made in India, with a laser-cut star pattern on the lid, a brass inlay border, brass latch and corners, and soft red velvet lining inside. It is about 8 × 8.5 × 4 cm – just right for a coin, a ginni or a ring – and can be reused later as a small jewellery box.

You will find it, along with other festive gifting pieces, in our Wedding & Festival Gifting collection. For more ways to give cash beautifully, see Shagun & Cash Gifting.

Pair the coin with a shagun envelope

Many families give the coin along with a small cash shagun. Keep the coin in its box and the cash in a neat envelope, then hand them over together. A few ideas:

For a rich, festive feel

Velvet with gold UV detailing looks royal in the puja light. Our pocket-size designs, such as the Grey Scalloped Royal Elephant, sit perfectly beside a coin box. Browse Velvet + UV shagun envelopes.

For a golden Diwali shine

Metallic shagun envelopes catch the diya light beautifully and match the gold and silver theme of Dhanteras.

For a personal touch

If you are gifting to many relatives this season, get your family name printed on the envelope. Personalised name printing is available on packs of 50, 100 or 200 – see our personalised shagun envelopes.

A few small customs to keep in mind

• Many families prefer an amount ending in 1, like ₹101 or ₹501, with the shagun. Read why we add ₹1 to shagun.
• Give the coin with both hands, or touch it to the puja thali first, as your family does.
• Write a short blessing on the envelope – “Shubh Dhanteras” or “Lakshmi ji ki kripa bani rahe”.
• Remember, these are customs, not rules. Every family celebrates in its own way.

Plan your Diwali gifting in one go

Dhanteras is only the start – Choti Diwali, Lakshmi Puja and Bhai Dooj follow soon after. Keep a few coin boxes and a pack of envelopes ready so you are not rushing on the day. Our Diwali 2026 shagun guide covers the full five days, and our new arrivals have the latest designs.

All LIFAFEWALA envelopes are designed and made in India and come in packs of 20, 50, 100 and 200. You can pay securely by UPI, card or netbanking.

Wishing you and your family a very Shubh Dhanteras and a bright, prosperous Diwali!