Dhanteras: Ludhiana residents flock to jewellers for buying gold ornaments

Shivani Bhakoo

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, November 2

In modern times, Dhanteras is considered to be the most auspicious occasion for buying gold, silver and other metal items, especially kitchenware, etc. To celebrate the festival, it seems the entire city is out to make purchases today. Stores of gold, silver, metals and kitchenware, decorated for the occasion, witnessed a huge rush of buyers.

One of the jewellers on Mall Road said maximum buyers had purchased pure gold coins, starting from 10 gm.

“Pure gold is an investment. After worshipping the metal on Diwali, one can keep it in safe and when the need arises, the gold can be used accordingly,” said the jewellery owner.

While Rahul, a salesman at a crockery store in Ghumar Mandi, said it was being difficult to manage the huge rush of buyers. “The owner has called extra workers for these few days to manage the rush. On Dhanteras, purchases are on till late hours,” he said.

Not all can afford to buy gold, silver or other metals. People from weaker sections of society said they purchased rice and barley as these were signs of health and wealth.

As the festival of lights is on November 4, festivity is in the air. Be it markets or shopping malls or exhibitions or private parties in the city, all these are thronged by people for celebrations.

Markets are having a dazzling look with the display of colourful and decorative products to attract buyers. It is not that just shops or stalls of Diwali-related products are pulling the crowd but sweet meat shops and stores dealing in electronic gadgets and dress material are witnessing a big footfall.

“Till 2 am or even later than that, we unload stocks at our godowns as stock keeps on coming. We are being given extra bucks these days for the work,” said a salesman working at a crockery store.

It seems there is no threat of Covid as nobody is seen wearing mask or even maintaining social distancing. Shopkeepers have extended their stalls outside their shops to sell more items. Though these are encroachments, the police seem to look the other way as during the recent visit of Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi to the city, he had stated that the police should not harass shopkeepers during the festive season.

Reena, a homemaker, said with happiness and festivity, the festival brings stress also.

“The gifting culture, which was stopped last year, is back with a bang. But traffic jams, long queues, huge rush brings a lot of stress. But since this is one of the best occasions to celebrate, I don’t mind being stressed for a day or two,” she said.

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