Happy Dhanteras! The gold rush begins

Dubai - Indians stepped out in larger numbers to buy gold on 'Dhanteras'

The moment you step into Bur Dubai's Meena Bazaar, you will notice colourful lighting, glitter and flowers all over the place. The market was fully packed with gold buyers when this reporter visited it on Thursday.
More Indians are expected to throng the gold markets across the country on Friday on the occasion of Dhanteras, a day considered auspicious to buy gold.
A jewellery shop manager, Santosh Chaturvedi, told Khaleej Times: "We will be opening the shop at 9am sharp and will be working nonstop till 12pm. Usually, we take a break of three to hours in the afternoon.
"We are expecting a five-fold increase in sales this year as gold prices are already down. Also, in Dubai, people prefer buying gold during Dhanteras, unlike India, where people mostly buy utensils."
According to jewellers here, gold coins and bars are the top choice for customers here. They said they get orders a week before Diwali.
Apoorva Mehra, a Dubai resident who was at a jewellery store at the market, said: "I came to Meena Bazaar to purchase something for Dhanteras. We get good designs and deals here as there are more than 50 jewellery shops. I have been living in Dubai for the last 12 years and every year I notice the same rush here during the festival."
Some people prefer to come to Dubai especially to buy gold during the Diwali season. Megha Thawani came all the way from Mumbai to purchase gold. She said: "We get good designs in India, but quality wise I think it is better here."
Residents hailed Dubai's multiculturalism and said the charm of the city lies in the fact that it gives liberty to celebrate religious festivals with complete freedom.
Jyoti Bhatia, a resident, said she has been celebrating Diwali in Dubai for the last 23 years. "Looking at the festivity fervour here, I feel as if I am walking on the streets of India."
- ankita@khaleejtimes.com

Dhanteras explained
Hindus consider it auspicious to purchase gold or silver and new utensils for Dhanteras. It is believed that buying something new brings good luck and wealth. People decorate their homes with flowers and colourful lanterns on the day. Many people start new business or projects on Dhanteras.

• UAE
• India