Kolkata, November 6: Dhanteras witnessed strong buying activity in Kolkata, giving a positive boost to the festive shopping season, as jewellers reported healthy demand for gold coins, bullion and silver coins. Demand for lightweight, versatile jewellery also remained a key trend, reflecting changing preferences among younger consumers.

Vinod Bamlwa, owner of Nemichand Bamalwa and Sons, said the market had recorded healthy demand this year, with customer footfall also registering a slight increase compared to the previous year.

"The market is healthy, and there is good demand for coins, bullion and silver coins. There is quite a good demand this time, a very healthy demand. I think customer footfall has also increased a bit this year compared to last year," Bamlwa said.

He added that the relatively manageable crowd during the interaction had contributed to a comfortable shopping experience for customers, while festive enthusiasm remained strong.

Highlighting changing jewellery preferences, Bamlwa said young working professionals planning their weddings are increasingly opting for designs that can be worn beyond the wedding ceremony. Buyers are showing a preference for jewellery that combines an elaborate appearance with lightweight construction, making it suitable for multiple occasions.

"Nowadays, all the young people who are getting married are working professionals and are very smart in decision-making. So they choose jewellery that can be used not just for the wedding, but even afterwards," he said.

According to Bamlwa, technological advancements in jewellery manufacturing have played an important role in driving this trend. Techniques such as laser soldering have reduced the amount of solder required during production, enabling jewellers to create intricate designs using less gold.

He explained that designs that earlier required nearly 100 grams of gold can now be manufactured in lighter versions without compromising on their overall appearance. Such innovations have made contemporary jewellery more practical and accessible for customers.

Speaking about festive promotions, Bamlwa said buying precious metals on Dhanteras is traditionally considered auspicious and associated with wealth and prosperity. He added that the jewellery store was continuing its annual practice of offering discounts on making charges.

"Buying on the day of Dhanteras brings wealth and prosperity, so that is the best thing. Secondly, like every year, we offer discounts on making charges. We are well known for believing not in discounts, but in value for money — that your money goes further with us," he said.

Meanwhile, Dhanteras is expected to generate business worth more than Rs 1 lakh crore across the country, with gold and silver sales alone estimated to exceed Rs 60,000 crore, according to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT).

The trade body said festive buying sentiment remained strong, with consumers continuing to purchase jewellery, silver coins and traditional gifts as part of the annual celebrations.