Two-day festival of Dhanteras saw robust sales of gold, jewellery and coins this year on strong pent up demand with the jewellery industry expecting up to 35 per cent growth in the business over the last year.
Although there was a lull in the jewellery market for a few hours on Sunday owing to the India-Pakistan cricket match, footfalls picked up after the match and brisk sales were reported across the country, jewellers said.
Even slightly high gold prices did not deter the consumers from buying on Dhanteras, which was spread over Saturday and Sunday. Dhanteras is considered the most auspicious day in the Hindu calendar for buying items ranging from precious metals to utensils, to other valuables.
On Sunday, gold prices continued to rule at Rs 50,139 per 10 grams, excluding taxes, in the national capital, higher than Rs 47,644 per 10 grams on Dhanteras day in 2021.
Normally, 20-30 tonnes of gold is sold on a Dhanteras day. Not only precious metals and jewellery, people also purchase vehicles and other items on the auspicious day.Maruti Suzuki India Ltd delivered an estimated 21,000 vehicles on two days of Dhanteras festival this year, company Senior Executive Director (Marketing & Sales) Shashank Srivastava told PTI.
This was around 10 per cent higher than last year but less than the peak years of 2018 and 2019, he added as there are still constraints on availability of models with high demand which have long waiting periods.
“The response has been very good since Saturday as overall the market has been buoyant across the country. …We expect a 10-15 per cent increase in sales from the 2021 level on strong pent up demand after the pandemic,” All India Gem And Jewellery Domestic Council chairman Ashish Pethe told PTI.
On the second day of Dhanteras on Sunday, there was a lull in the jewellery markets owing to the India-Pakistan cricket match. But the footfall picked up after the match and shops were abuzz with buying activity, he added.
According to World Gold Council Regional CEO, India, Somasundaram PR, sales on this Dhanteras were reported to be better by 15-25 per cent when compared to the last year as the festive occasion rekindled strong consumer sentiment in favour of gold.
