Nagpur: On Monday the November 9, all roads in Orange City led to jewellery shops – big and small alike – as the Five-Day Festival of Lights, Deepawali, started with golden eyes. As the Day-One was being celebrated as Dhanteras, the bullion shops were overflowing with customers of all ages and of all hues and colours.
Dhanteras or Dhantrayodashi falls on the 13th day of the lunar phase or Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. While Dhan means wealth, trayodashi means the 13th day. There is a popular belief that buying gold and silver on this auspicious day brings prosperity. And the prospects of prosperity were indeed seen and believed as well at ornamental and other markets in gigantic rush.
On the day of shopping, the people were found flocking at markets to buy gold, silver, electronic items and utensils. Faces of customers were glowing following drop in gold prices. Last year, the prices were hovering around 30,000 per 10 grams. But this year, the prices have come down to Rs 27,000 much to the delight of buyers.
When Nagpur Today sought to gauge the mood of the rushing customers in markets of the choicest destinations, some of them gladly disclosed their preference. Gold chains, pendants, rings and gold coins of various denominations were top of the list. Jewellers, too, cashed on the surge and in an attempt to attract more customers offered attractive discounts and freebies with purchase of certain amounts.
People were also seen buying silver jewellery and utensils. Shopkeepers said ornament items such as anklets, toe-rings, articles used in worshipping gods and utensils such as spoon, plates and bowls were also in great demand.
On Dhanteras, Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped to provide prosperity and well being. Dhanteras holds special significance for the business community due to the customary purchases of precious metals on this day. Lord Kubera, the God of Assets and Wealth is also worshipped on this day.
