Dhanteras in Odisha: Gold trade peaks high in capital city

Bhubaneswar, Nov 2: The city market in Bhubaneswar is flooded with offers to woo the customers this Dhanteras and Diwali on Tuesday.As a result,gold trade in the capital city has seen a significant peak on the occasion along with some other parts of the state. Denizens opt better prices as there is 'More to discover' this Diwali at showrooms decked for the festive season. As Covid-19 restrictions are being withdrawn, people stepped out for shopping sprees on the occasion of Dhanteras.  On the other hand, Jewellery markets have donned a festive look and have transformed themselves into a colourful display of grand extravaganza. Branded Jewelers have exhibited wide ranges of ornaments to cater every sort of customers. At the same time, utensil traders and puja goods counters have also readied them to attract visitors as there is a tradition of purchasing utensil along with gold or silver. Dhanteras is the first day of the five-day Diwali festival. Falling on the thirteen day of the Krishna paksha(dark fortnight) in the month of Ashwin, it signifies wealth and prosperity. On this day, people purchase metals and other precious items to be blessed by goddess Laxmi with happiness and good-luck.  After the dull season last year, utensil traders, jewellers and dealers in electrical home appliances are keeping their fingers to do brisk business on the eve of this Diwali. The purchase of steel utensils is also considered auspicious on Dhanteras. Usually, it is the jewellers who cash in on the gold rush. However, this year the electronics goods dealers have come up with new models of LEDs, music systems and iPhones. Utensils and gift items shops alongside have high-end products to meet the requirements of buyers. Apart from the capital city, markets in the steel city Rourkela, silver city Cuttack, silk city Berhampur have seen uncommon gathering those are keen to collect gold and silver from the market. Similarly, Markets in the coal-town Talcher and Industial-hub Angul along with the rural suburbs are all set for Dhanteras shopping bonanza.