Nagpur markets gear up for Dhanteras, bullion traders expect Rs 125-150 crore in sales

Markets across Nagpur district are buzzing ahead of Dhanteras, with traders and customers both in high spirits. Despite inflation, people appear ready to shop heavily this time. The festival will be celebrated on Friday.

Bullion shops, vehicle and electronics showrooms and stores have been decorated attractively. As people spend freely on Dhanteras, offers are being given on everything from bikes and cars to electronic goods. Sales worth crores of rupees are expected in the district on the day.

In the gold and silver market, bullion traders say sales have picked up over the past day or two. Keeping both small and big customers in mind, traders have brought in special jewellery collections for Dhanteras. Demand for silver coins is also good. Silver idols of Ganesha and Lakshmi are available at prices from Rs 5,000 to over Rs 25,000. Bullion traders expect sales of about Rs 125 crore to Rs 150 crore across the district.

Electronics stores are offering special discounts on televisions, refrigerators, air conditioners, sound systems and washing machines. According to electronics traders, finance companies have also come up with special offers for customers, including attractive EMI schemes. A scheme is also running to give a silver or gold coin on the purchase of select electronic appliances and vehicles. Traders hope people will make good use of these offers, and that electronics sales this time could cross about Rs 100 crore.

The utensils market has also been decked up. Utensils such as fancy glasses, bowls, kalash, airtight containers, puja thalis, aarti items, bells and mugs are available in shops, and demand has already begun. Steel serving spoons are proving very popular. Many traders are also offering attractive discounts on utensils.

Mahavir Laturia, president of the utensils market, says most customers ask for designer utensils on Dhanteras. He expects sales to be better than last year. With Diwali in view, new flavours of sweets at confectioners' shops are also drawing people.

The vehicle market is also active. Vehicles are bought in large numbers in Nagpur district on Dhanteras, and many people have already made advance bookings. According to vehicle dealers, thousands of vehicles have been booked so far. Good sales are expected compared with last year. Dealers say vehicles worth crores of rupees leave the market in this one day.