Looking to glam up for Diwali? Check what's trending in Dubai

Dubai - Diwali excitement is reaching a feverish pitch with Dhanteras being celebrated today.

To cash in on the festivities, jewellery chains in the UAE are mounting some of the biggest sets of promotions.

Dubai-based gold traders who spoke with Khaleej Times said their sales have been glittering in view of the low gold price and they expect the Diwali rush will further push the numbers up.

"A huge positive is that gold prices have been dipping - for 22K gold it's as low as Dh124 a gram. This Diwali, shoppers are opting for bangles and chains over other jewellery," said Nitin who handles the diamond section at Malabar gold and diamonds in Karama Centre.

"As for necklaces, the most popular are temple jewellery, uncut diamonds also called polki, and antique designs."

Malabar gold is offering upto 250 gold coins to be won through raffles with the purchase of Dh2,000 worth of gold jewellery. In addition, it is offering 1 gram of gold coins free with a purchase of Dh2,500 worth of diamond jewellery.

Joyalukkas Jewellers' enticement is via the chance to win upto 30 kg gold in a raffle draw with the purchase of Dh500 worth of jewellery. In addition it's offering 50% off on Diamond & Polki Jewellery, special Diwali collection.

"This festive season, our sales have increased by more than 50% compared to last month - thanks to the festival season and the low gold prices. Usually our customers are asking for traditional jewellery preferably light-weight. Turkish and temple jewellery are going off our shelves quickly," said Sudarsan Unnikrishnan, Assistant Director of Joyalukkas store in Karama Centre.

What is Diwali?

Diwali is one of the most important times of year for Indian culture, said to celebrate the victory of good over evil. It is also said that the festival honours the Indian goddess of wealth Lakshmi. In many parts of India, the festivities start with Dhanteras, followed by Naraka Chaturdasi on second day, Deepavali on the third day, Diwali Padva dedicated to wife-husband relationship on the fourth day, and festivities end with Bhau-beej dedicated to sister-brother bond on the fifth day.

Shoppers rush for 'auspicious' purchase

The lanes of Bur Dubai, Karama, jewellery outlets in all malls and the Gold Souq in Deira are filled with women looking to acquire their favourite metal.

"I like to whole-heartedly spend for Diwali every year, A lot of gold shops have attractive offers. I don't mind buying even Dh 40,000 worth of jewellery if they give me those extras that are not available other times of the year. I am looking for traditional designs rather than Indo-western because on Diwali you like to wear traditional Indian clothes", said Sonali who was window shopping at Chungath jewellery in Karama.

Another shopper at Malabar Gold, Avantika Naik said "I buy gold every year for Diwali as it's considered auspicious - this year I am looking for temple jewellery as it's different and divine."

What to wear this Diwali

Be on your top style game this festival - here's what's trending around town.

"The craze for Anarkali suits just refuses to die. Shoppers are opting for different styles in Anarkali without any fear of them being out of fashion," said Linson from Intex Churidar store in Karama.

"We have gowns with churidar, anarkali with jackets, short kurtas and umbrella churidar. The most popular is however floor-length anarkalis. Palazzo pants are picking up but they are not big hits yet."

And for the men...

A really adventurous style statement would be to wear a dhoti and kurta instead of the usual kurta-pyjama.

Glam up your kurta-pyjama with a stylish waistcoat in silk or brocade, with a colour that suits your complexion.

If you want to keep it casual, you can go for a dark or bright coloured kurta along with a pair of jeans.

Last, but not the least, get a pair of traditional jutti's. No sandals or shoes, please.

• UAE
• Gold and Forex
• Dubai