As the Diwali celebrations commence, Dhanteras takes center stage as a crucial day for traders across the nation, with an estimated trade volume of Rs 50 thousand crore, as predicted by the National President of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), BC Bhartia, and Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal.
In a recent post on X, Praveen Khandelwal encouraged the public to support various women entrepreneurs, stating, "We wholeheartedly support Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji's call for #VocalForLocal this Diwali, along with the appeal #NaariSeKharidaari by Union Minister Smt. @smritiirji. We are opening the doors of the nation's market to all women entrepreneurs, from those crafting small diyas to those managing boutiques. We urge you to shop for women entrepreneurs and visit their establishments.”
The 'Vocal for Local' movement is having an impact, with customers showing a strong preference for products created in India. According to ANI, China is anticipated to experience a significant loss of approximately Rs 1 lakh crore in Diwali-related commerce.
Dhanteras, a day dedicated to worshiping Siddhi Vinayak Ganesh, Mahalakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, and Kuber, is especially significant for new purchases. Gold and silver jewelry, utensils, cookware, automobiles, apparel, electronics, and other items are selling well. Notably, buying brooms is regarded as very lucky on this day.
Ample stock, including new designs in gold, silver, and diamond jewelry, has been revealed as dealers anticipate an increase in demand. This year, artificial jewelry is gaining popularity, as are large purchases of gold and silver coins, notes, and idols. Major retail districts in Delhi, including Chandni Chowk, Dariba Kalan, Sadar Bazar, and others, are expected to see considerable increases in sales.
Retail markets such as Yusuf Sarai, Lajpat Nagar, and Shahdara all contribute significantly to the holiday shopping fiesta. Acharya Durgesh Tare, Convenor of CAIT's Vedic and Astrology Committee, discusses the significance of Dhanteras, which is observed countrywide on November 10. The advent of Lord Dhanvantari, an avatar of Lord Vishnu and the god of medicine, on this day is culturally and spiritually significant, as it marks the beginning of Ayurveda in India.
