Dhanteras shopping across India is expected to generate business worth more than Rs 1 lakh crore on November 6, 2026, according to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT). Gold and silver sales alone are projected to contribute more than Rs 60,000 crore, highlighting the continued importance of precious metals in India's festive retail market.
The expectations come despite elevated prices of gold and silver. Traders say consumers are continuing to make purchases associated with Dhanteras, an important occasion during the Diwali festive season. Jewellery, silver coins, traditional gifts and decorative products are among the items attracting buyers across markets.
According to CAIT, the estimated business of more than Rs 1 lakh crore includes overall trading activity across the country during Dhanteras. The figure covers purchases across different retail categories, while gold and silver are expected to account for a significant share of the total.
The All India Jewellers and Goldsmith Federation (AIJGF) has also reported continued demand for precious metals. According to the federation, consumers are increasingly choosing lightweight jewellery and smaller investment products as they adjust their spending to higher gold and silver prices.
Lightweight Jewellery Gains Attention
One of the notable trends this Dhanteras is the growing interest in lightweight gold jewellery. Jewellers are reporting demand for 14-carat and 18-carat gold ornaments, which offer consumers options at relatively lower purchase costs compared with heavier jewellery.
Higher gold prices have influenced the quantity of jewellery customers can purchase within their budgets. Instead of completely avoiding gold purchases, many consumers are choosing lighter designs and smaller pieces to maintain the tradition of buying gold during the festival.
Silver is also attracting attention from festive shoppers. Silver coins, decorative articles and traditional gift items are among the products witnessing demand. Auspicious figurines shaped like fish, tortoises and elephants are also being purchased as part of customary festive shopping.
High Precious Metal Prices Influence Buying Patterns
Gold and silver prices have remained elevated compared with the previous year. Although gold prices have moderated slightly in the days leading up to Dhanteras, the overall price level continues to influence consumer decisions.
According to market estimates reported on November 6, 24-carat gold was trading at around Rs 1,41,840 per 10 grams. Higher prices have encouraged customers to compare designs, reduce purchase quantities and consider smaller coins or lightweight ornaments.
Industry representatives have also pointed out that the value of sales and the actual quantity of precious metals purchased may show different trends. When prices rise, the total value of transactions can increase even if customers purchase fewer grams of gold or silver.
The AIJGF has separately estimated that gold and silver jewellery and coin sales could reach approximately Rs 66,000 crore this Dhanteras, representing an increase of around 10 per cent compared with the previous year. This estimate is higher than the broad projection of more than Rs 60,000 crore cited by CAIT.
