Nagpur: The festive spirit gripped Nagpur on Saturday, October 18, as thousands of Nagpurians thronged marketplaces to celebrate Dhanteras, marking the auspicious beginning of the five-day Diwali festival. From traditional utensil shops to glittering jewellery showrooms and bustling malls, every corner of the city buzzed with excitement, reflecting the joy and optimism that the day brings.
Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, falls on the 13th day of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. Rooted in the belief that purchasing gold, silver, or other valuable items on this day brings prosperity and good fortune, the tradition saw Nagpurians, from middle-class families to the city’s elite, joining the shopping spree in full swing.
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18 Oct 2025
Markets across the city, including Sitabuldi Main Road, Itwari, Dharampeth, Sadar, and Mahal, were decked up with colourful lights, festive decorations, and special discount banners. Shimmering displays of gold and diamond jewellery, silver coins, utensils, and decorative diyas drew huge crowds, with long queues outside prominent jewellery stores since early morning.
For many families, Dhanteras is not just about luxury purchases but also about symbolic gestures of good fortune. The poor and middle-income groups were seen buying diyas, candles, steel utensils, and brassware, while others invested in gold ornaments, silverware, and electronic items. Account books, known as ‘Bahi-Khata’, were also in demand, as businessmen performed the Lakshmi Puja ritual to invoke wealth and prosperity.
Jewellery showrooms reported brisk business throughout the day. “This Dhanteras, we are witnessing higher footfall compared to last year. People are buying not just for investment but also for gifting,” said a local jeweller from Dharampeth. Traders and mall owners echoed similar sentiments, buoyed by the rise in customer turnout after a subdued season last year.
Shopping malls and retail chains also joined the celebration, rolling out festive offers and flash sales to attract buyers. From garments and accessories to home décor and electronics, customers were spoilt for choice as stores competed to cash in on the festive fervour.
The markets presented a captivating sight as streets glowed under vibrant lights, filled with the aroma of sweets, the sound of festive music, and the chatter of cheerful shoppers. With traders optimistic and customers jubilant, Dhanteras once again reaffirmed its status as the most prosperous and joyous prelude to Diwali in Nagpur.
