Ranchi: A softer gold market is lending extra sparkle to Dhanteras shopping in Ranchi, with jewellers, retailers and automobile dealers reporting a sharp rise in enquiries and bookings ahead of the festival.Gold was trading at around Rs 1.28 lakh per 10 gm for 22-carat and nearly Rs 1.40 lakh for 24-carat on Monday. The easing prices, coupled with the approaching wedding season and festive bonuses, have encouraged buyers to bring forward purchases of gold and silver.Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FJCCI) president Tulsi Patel said business activity had picked up across retail markets. “There is excitement in the market and business activity has picked up. We are expecting sales growth of up to 15% this Dhanteras,” he said.According to Patel, the festive rush was visible not just in jewellery outlets but also in stores selling utensils, home appliances, automobiles and electronics. “The response across categories has been encouraging, and we are anticipating a good festive outcome,” he said.Jitendra Verma, president of the Sona Chandi Vyavasayi Samiti, Ranchi, said gold and silver sales across Jharkhand were expected to cross Rs 150 crore this Dhanteras.“The decline in precious metal prices has encouraged buyers. The wedding season is approaching and many people have also received their bonuses, adding to their purchasing power. We are expecting a good outcome for the jewellery trade,” Verma said.However, the festive buyer is no longer looking only for traditional, heavy ornaments. Jewellers said customers were increasingly opting for lightweight designs that combine everyday use with the emotional value of gold.Traditional heavy sets are being redesigned into slimmer, more versatile pieces to suit changing preferences. Jeweller Nihar Tulsyan said sleek and contemporary jewellery was drawing considerable interest.“There is a craze for buying gold. Buyers are increasingly choosing sleek, elegant pieces that can be worn regularly,” Tulsyan said.Diamond, polki, sapphire and emerald jewellery are also finding favour, along with rose gold and white gold designs. Bangles, earrings and nose pins remain among the most sought-after items.Jewellers said younger buyers, including Gen Z customers, were influencing design trends with their preference for minimal, stylish and versatile ornaments. For many families, Dhanteras shopping this year is therefore combining tradition with practicality — a festive investment that can also become part of an everyday wardrobe.
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