DUBAI // Indians across the UAE are celebrating Diwali … and that means major sales for gold merchants and confectionery shops.
Hindus are stocking up on sweets, gold coins and jewellery for gifts as part of traditional celebrations for the Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights.
And shoppers say they will save, with gold Dh10 a gram cheaper than last year.
“I want to buy chains and necklaces for my nieces and some coins to give as gifts,” said Sandhya Padwal, a housewife from Ajman who was shopping with her family in Dubai’s Meena Bazar.
“We usually postpone our purchases until this time because it is known as a good time to buy gold.”
Dhanteras, the first of five days of the Diwali festival, was yesterday and is seen as an auspicious time to buy golden ornaments.
“People have been buying gold coins and silver utensils for the past 10 days and it will pick up during Diwali,” said Viral Thaleshwar, the owner of Viral Jewellers.
“Tourists also buy jewellery here because they like the designs, the colour and the variety. The best sellers this Diwali have been gold coins, chains and necklaces with precious stones.”
Indians looking to make large purchases of gold ahead of the festival have been keeping a close eye on prices, which was Dh153 a gram for 22-carat gold on Thursday.
“I have been waiting for the price of gold to come down because we have a wedding in the family, so every dirham counts,” said Pranlal Munshi, a manager in a travel company.
“We are lucky the wedding is this year because last year the price of gold was Dh10 more a gram, so it makes it easier on our pockets now. Some shops have good deals and give watches, gold or silver coins free if you purchase necklaces.”
Others lined up outside sweet stores to pick up boxes decorated with gold and red ribbons and filled with traditional mithai sweets.
“This is the second order of 150 boxes I’m picking up in two days,” said Niranjan Oja, an administrative assistant in a trading company.
“The first lot was for our staff and the second lot is for my boss’s friends, family and neighbours. Some people make sweets at home but many prefer to buy sweets outside.”
Many people placed their orders days in advance to avoid disappointment.
“Customers have been flowing in this week, some corporate houses and big families place orders a week in advance,” said Shoaib Shaikh, group sales and marketing manager for Puranmal Sweets.
“We have been receiving orders from 100 to 300 kilograms to smaller orders of 25 to 30kg for families. It is a tradition to distribute to friends or to employees as Diwali gifts. The sweets with almonds, cashews, dates and figs are all-time favourites.”
Diwali also marks the new year on the Hindu calendar and the homecoming of Rama, the ancient King of Ayodhya, after 14 years in exile following his defeat of the demon king Ravana.
Hindus decorate their homes with colourful lights and lamps to reflect the victory of light and virtue over darkness.
The occasion is usually marked with fireworks, although this has been banned by Dubai Municipality with posters placed in shops around Bur Dubai warning people that it is illegal to sell crackers or rockets.
“We just light small sparklers or throw poppers that make a soft sound on the ground and not the big crackers, so that is OK. Otherwise how will you enjoy Diwali?” said Aarti Devani, who was out shopping for lamps for her prayer room and clothes for her children.
She was getting ready for Sunday’s puja or prayer ceremony when Hindus offer prayers to Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, to welcome her into their homes.
Malls such as Lamcy Plaza have organised regional folk music performances and classical dances including Bharatnatyam and Kathak to entertain visitors during Diwali.
rtalwar@thenational.ae
