Bhopal, October 18 (Udaipur Kiran): Dhanteras marked a massive start to the five-day Diwali festival across Madhya Pradesh, with record-breaking sales and heavy crowds in markets from Bhopal to Indore. Gold, silver, automobiles, and electronics witnessed an extraordinary rush as people thronged shops throughout the day for auspicious purchases and investments.
In Bhopal, festive enthusiasm translated into a business turnover of over ₹800 crore, while Indore recorded sales worth ₹500 crore, including 4,000 cars and 11,000 two-wheelers sold in a single day. Traders said the demand this year was significantly higher than in 2024, despite the high prices of gold and silver.
Central Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, accompanied by his wife Sadhana Singh, joined the festive shopping spree at Bhopal’s New Market. He purchased a silver coin and extended Diwali greetings on social media, praying for prosperity and happiness in every home.
Markets Shine Across Cities
In Indore, jewellery shops and utensil stores were beautifully decorated, with buyers crowding since morning. The Sarafa Bazaar alone saw business worth around ₹200 crore. In Jabalpur, transactions reached nearly ₹600 crore, while Gwalior too reported brisk sales throughout the day.
Surge in Demand for Lightweight Jewellery
According to Akhilesh Mittal, Secretary of Bhopal Sarafa Bazaar, customers preferred lightweight and Italian-style jewellery, especially among younger buyers. “Gold prices fluctuated recently, but a slight drop just before Dhanteras boosted confidence. People are buying not only for Diwali but also for upcoming weddings,” he said.
Vijay Kumar Verma from the Wholesale Sarafa Association added that mandatory hallmarking has restored customer confidence. “Buyers now see gold as both jewellery and a secure investment. Many expect prices to rise to ₹1.5 lakh per 10 grams, prompting strong investment-driven purchases this year,” he noted.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav performed Dhanteras Puja at his Bhopal residence, praying for the state’s health, prosperity, and well-being. Several ministers and officials, including Sampatia Uike in Mandla and SP Devendra Kumar Patidar in Burhanpur, were also seen making local purchases to support small vendors. In Indore, Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya continued his family tradition by sitting at his ancestral shop and serving customers personally.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.