Dhanteras and Diwali 2026: buying gold in Fiji

Every year, in the days before Diwali, families across Fiji start talking about gold. Some have a piece in mind for months. Others simply want to mark the start of the festival with something small and auspicious. And if you live in Brisbane or Auckland, you may be wondering how to keep the tradition going from a long way away.

Here's what to know about buying gold for Dhanteras and Diwali in Fiji this year.

Why many families buy gold on Dhanteras

Fijian Hindus mark Dhanteras as the first day of Diwali, and many families buy gold, silver or other items considered auspicious, as a symbol of good fortune and plenty in the year ahead.

In Hindu tradition, gold is associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, whose puja is at the heart of Diwali. That's why, for many families, even a small gold purchase at this time carries more meaning than its size suggests. Others choose silver. Both are part of the tradition, and every family has its own habits about what to buy and when.

Diwali 2026 dates in Fiji

Day	2026 date	Confidence
Diwali public holiday in Fiji	Monday 9 November	Endorsed by Cabinet
Lakshmi Puja (main Diwali night)	Monday 9 November in Fiji (Sunday 8 November in India), per panchang calculated for Nadi	Check with your temple or the Shree Sanatan Dharm Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji
Dhanteras	Around Friday 6 November	Approximate, check locally

The public holiday is fixed. The festival days themselves follow the Hindu lunar calendar, and Dhanteras falls a few days before Lakshmi Puja; panchang calculated for Nadi puts it on Friday 6 November this year, with Labh Pancham on Saturday 14 November (see our Diwali 2026 guide). Please treat that date as approximate and check your family panchang or your temple's calendar for the exact day and any auspicious times your family observes.

What to buy: ideas for every budget

There's no rule that a Dhanteras purchase has to be large. Some ideas:

A coin or a small piece

A small gold or silver coin is a popular choice for families who want to mark the day simply. If that's what you're after, call and ask whether we have any in stock. A small pendant, a ring or a pair of studs works just as well and can be worn every day.

Bangles

Bangles are a classic Diwali purchase, and many families add a pair each year. Measure a bangle that already fits well before you come in, so you know the size you need. Our guide to 22ct vs 18ct vs 14ct gold helps if you're deciding which purity suits everyday wear.

Chains for children

A first chain, or a slightly longer one as they grow, is a lovely Diwali tradition for children. For young children, choose a chain with a secure clasp and nothing small that could come loose. Our post on gold gifts for birthdays, graduations and new babies has more on choosing gold for kids.

Something for the home puja

Some families like to buy a silver piece for the puja. We stock sterling silver alongside gold, so ask what's available when you call.

Our pieces carry a purity stamp: 916 for 22ct, 750 for 18ct, 375 for 9ct and 925 for sterling silver. Our post on how to read the purity stamp explains the numbers.

Shopping from overseas

If you live in Australia, New Zealand, the USA or Canada, there are two common ways to keep up a Dhanteras tradition in Fiji.

Sending a family member to shop for you

Many diaspora families ask a parent, sibling or cousin in Fiji to buy on their behalf. A few things make it go smoothly:

• Be specific. Send photos of styles you like, the purity (22ct, 18ct or 9ct), the size, and the budget.
• Ask them to call ahead. We can tell them what's in stock before they make the trip into Nadi.
• Plan when you'll receive it. We sell in store only, so the piece can wait for you in Fiji until your next visit, or come over with a family member who is travelling.

One point that's easy to miss: Fiji's Tourist VAT Refund Scheme is for overseas residents with non-Fiji passports who take the goods out of Fiji unused. A relative who lives in Fiji can't claim it on your behalf.

Timing a trip home

Some families plan a visit home around Diwali, to celebrate with relatives and shop in person. If that's you, our guide to buying gold in Fiji as a Fijian living overseas covers the practical side, from sizes to planning your visit.

If you do fly in for Diwali, try to arrive with a few days to spare before Dhanteras rather than landing the night before.

Visit early

The days just before Diwali are a busy time for jewellery shopping in general. Families are buying, and festival preparations take up everyone's time. Coming in a week or two earlier usually means:

• more time to look and decide without feeling rushed
• a better chance that the size or style you want is still available
• one less job in the busiest week of the year

If your family prefers to make the purchase on Dhanteras itself, you can still come in earlier to look around and decide what you want, then return on the day.

Shopping for Diwali at Shreeji Jewellers

For a Dhanteras piece, bring a bangle or ring that already fits, and tell us the purity you prefer (22ct, 18ct or 9ct) and roughly what you'd like to spend. If a relative is shopping for you, send them with photos of the styles you like, and we'll help them choose. You can browse our gold collection for ideas first.

Wishing you and your family a happy and prosperous Diwali.