What to Buy for Dhanteras and Diwali: Gifts That Last

Dhanteras falls on Friday, 6 November 2026, at the start of the Diwali festival. By tradition it is a day to bring home something new and lasting: gold, silver or a metal vessel. Even one small item counts, and custom says to avoid iron and sharp objects such as knives. The day also began as a harvest-end custom, when households restocked for the year ahead.

Why silver and old pieces suit the day

Silver is the easiest of the traditional metals to give. It can be worn, displayed or used, and it is valued across generations. Silver does darken with time, but it cleans easily, and our guide to caring for antique silver at home explains how.

An antique piece adds something a new one cannot. It has already lasted for decades, often far longer, someone has looked after it, and no other like it will be made. For a festival about welcoming lasting prosperity, that is a fitting gift.

Gift ideas by budget

• Under ₹10,000: Ravi Varma oleographs of Hanuman, such as Lanka Dahan, Dronagiri Maruti and Dancing Hanuman. They show a well-loved subject and suit a home shrine room or a study.
• Under ₹50,000: Ravi Varma’s Saraswati, goddess of learning and music, makes a thoughtful gift for a student or an artist. Ram Panchayatan and Ram Darbar suit a family home. A cased set of six engraved teaspoons is a gift for a table.
• Jewellery: Our Diwali Special collection also holds rings set with sapphire, ruby, diamond and pearls, and Basra pearl bangles made to order. Made-to-order pieces are made in your size, so ask us about timing before you choose one.

Order in time

Our shipping policy says we dispatch within 3 to 5 business days, and delivery across India then takes 5 to 10 business days. For a gift to reach someone by 6 November, order as early as you can, and message us first so we can tell you plainly what is realistic. A gift that arrives a few days after Dhanteras is still a gift for Diwali.

Look before you buy

If the person you are buying for lives far away, or you want to be sure of a piece, ask for a live video viewing. We show the piece in natural light and answer your questions before you pay. Every piece also comes with our Lifetime Buyback Guarantee: you can sell a piece you bought from us back to us, priced by its condition.

At Antiqo

Browse the Diwali Special collection or the Gifts under ₹10,000 collection, or message us on WhatsApp and tell us who the gift is for. We will suggest a few pieces.