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21-10-2025
Bureau Report + Agencies
NEW DELHI/ MUMBAI: Soaring gold prices led Indian buyers to choose coins and bars over jewelry during the Dhanteras festival on Saturday, fueled by hopes that the precious metal’s glittering rally would continue, industry officials told media.
Dhanteras, which marks the start of the five-day Diwali festival of lights, is considered auspicious for buying gold and is one of the busiest gold-buying days in the world’s second-biggest consumer of the metal.
Overall gold sales during Dhanteras were 10–15% lower in volume terms compared to last year but total value rose sharply due to higher prices, said Rajesh Rokde, chairman of the All India Gem and jewelry Domestic Council.
“Gold jewelry demand took a hit with record-high prices, dropping nearly 30% from last year, but coins and bars were flying off the shelves,” Surendra Mehta, secretary at the India Bullion and Jewelers Association, said.
In India, buyers typically pay 10–20% of the gold price as manufacturing charges for jewelry, making it even more expensive than buying gold coins.
Local gold prices closed at 127,008 rupees per 10 grams on Friday after hitting a record high of 132,294 rupees, marking an increase of more than 60% since last year’s Dhanteras. India’s NSE Nifty 50 share index (.NSEI), opens new tab has risen about 5% during the period.
Facing record price surges, the industry is offering healthy discounts on jewelry making to maintain strong gold-buying interest throughout the festive and upcoming wedding seasons, said Sachin Jain, CEO of the World Gold Council’s Indian operations.
Indian dealers were this week quoting a premium of up to $25 per ounce over official domestic prices, inclusive of 6% import and 3% sales levies, the highest in more than a decade.
Demand for silver coins, bars and jewelry meanwhile was strong this year, driven by the metal’s stellar price rally, said Saurabh Gadgil, chairman of PNG Jewelers, opens new tab. Investors believe silver could outperform gold, dealers said.
Higher returns from precious metals have been attracting strong inflows into physically backed gold and silver exchange-traded funds in recent months.
“With jewelry stores open till midnight and Dhanteras continuing into tomorrow afternoon, we expect buying momentum to carry forward,” said Rokde of GJC.
Silver Benefits from Gold”s Price Rally
Silver experienced robust demand during the festival period, driven by what industry experts describe as a stellar price rally for the white metal. This alternative precious metal gained appeal as investors sought exposure to precious metals at more accessible price points compared to gold.
Market sentiment surrounding silver has become increasingly positive, with dealers indicating that investors believe the metal could outperform gold in current market conditions. Consequently, silver market dynamics have shifted significantly, creating new opportunities for investors looking beyond traditional gold purchases. This expectation has contributed to strong demand for silver coins, bars, and jewelry throughout the festive period.
Exchange-Traded Fund Inflows Surge
Higher returns from precious metals have attracted significant inflows into physically backed gold and silver exchange-traded funds in recent months. These investment vehicles provide exposure to precious metals without the storage and security concerns associated with physical ownership.
