Dhanteras this year has witnessed an extraordinary wave of consumer enthusiasm across the country, with India’s total festive trade estimated to have crossed ₹1.25 lakh crore, reflecting robust consumer confidence, growing purchasing power and renewed momentum in the domestic retail economy.

The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) Secretary General and Member of Parliament from Chandni Chowk, Shri Praveen Khandelwal, said that Dhanteras has once again demonstrated the immense strength of India’s traditional markets and the resilience of its trading community. He stated that purchases of gold, silver, automobiles, utensils, kitchenware, electronics, electrical appliances, idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, and other auspicious products have generated unprecedented business activity across the country.

Explaining the significance of the festival, Shri Khandelwal said that Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, is celebrated on the thirteenth day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik. According to Hindu tradition, Lord Dhanvantari emerged during the Samudra Manthan carrying the Amrit Kalash, making this day a symbol of health, wealth, prosperity and new beginnings. The belief that purchases made on Dhanteras bring manifold prosperity has made it one of India’s most significant shopping occasions.

GOLD AND SILVER MARKETS WITNESS EXCEPTIONAL DEMAND

According to Shri Pankaj Arora, National President of CAIT’s jewellery chapter, the All India Jewellers and Goldsmith Federation (AIJGF), jewellery markets across the country have witnessed an exceptional rush of customers over the past several days.

He stated that gold and silver sales alone are estimated to have exceeded ₹66,000 crore nationwide, while Delhi’s bullion markets recorded business worth more than ₹10,000 crore. Despite elevated precious metal prices, consumers have continued to demonstrate strong interest in gold and silver purchases, particularly lightweight jewellery, traditional ornaments, silver coins and auspicious investment purchases. Today the price of gold was Rs. 1 lakh 44 thousands crore per 10 gm which was at Rs 1.30 lakh per 10 grams whereas Silver rates were quoted as Rs 1 lakh 90 thousand crores per kg which was at Rs 1.70 lakh per kg.

INDIA’S JEWELLERY TRADE: STRONG IMPORT-EXPORT PERFORMANCE

Highlighting the broader performance of the gems and jewellery sector, AIJGF pointed out that during the first half of the current financial year (April–September 2026), the sector recorded substantial import and export activity: Gold bullion imports: ₹1,82,995 crore and Silver bullion imports: ₹22,923 crore. Exports of finished gold jewellery (plain and studded): ₹59,266 crore and Exports of finished silver jewellery: ₹6,909 crore. AIJGF emphasised that while the value of sales in rupee terms is an important indicator, the actual volume of precious metals sold, fresh orders received by artisans and the business generated across the jewellery value chain will also be crucial in assessing the sector’s overall performance. The ₹66,000 crore figure represents the current estimate of Dhanteras sales, with the final outcome depending on consumer demand and precious metal price movements.

DHANTERAS: A FESTIVAL THAT POWERS EVERY SEGMENT OF THE ECONOMY

Shri Khandelwal further said that Dhanteras is unique because its economic impact extends far beyond gold and silver. Purchasing new utensils made of copper, silver and steel is considered auspicious, while buying a broom is traditionally associated with removing negativity and welcoming the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.

In contemporary India, the festival has also evolved into a major shopping occasion for automobiles, smartphones, laptops, tablets, televisions, home appliances, electrical goods and other modern consumer products.

He observed that this year’s remarkable festive business momentum has been significantly supported by the reduction in GST rates, which has enhanced consumer purchasing power, along with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s clarion call of ‘Swadeshi Apnao’. Consumers are increasingly showing preference for Indian-made products, giving a substantial boost to domestic manufacturers, small traders, local artisans, craftsmen and MSMEs.

TRADITIONAL MARKETS EMERGE AS THE BIGGEST CENTRES OF FESTIVE ENTHUSIASM

Shri Khandelwal said that the enthusiasm is not confined to shopping malls and large retail establishments. Traditional markets, jewellery bazaars, utensil markets, automobile showrooms, electronics hubs and neighbourhood retail shops across India have witnessed impressive customer footfall and vigorous business activity.

He added that the growing preference for locally manufactured products is strengthening the connection between consumers and India’s domestic trading ecosystem, ensuring that festive spending generates employment, supports indigenous enterprises and circulates wealth within the country.

Concluding, Shri Khandelwal said that Dhanteras and Diwali are no longer merely occasions of religious faith and traditional celebrations; they have emerged as powerful engines of India’s economic growth. The estimated ₹1.25 lakh crore business on Dhanteras is a reflection of India’s rising consumer confidence, the strength of its domestic markets and the growing aspirations of its people.

He said that every purchase of an Indian product is also a contribution towards the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat, making the spirit of Swadeshi the true hallmark of this festive season.