Dhanteras sales in Ranchi and Jamshedpur crossed an estimated Rs 1,200 crore on Friday, as strong customer footfall drove purchases of jewellery, vehicles, electronics, utensils and festive goods despite elevated gold and silver prices.
Traders in Ranchi estimated that sales of precious metals, electronics, real estate, utensils and other festive items exceeded Rs 700 crore. In Jamshedpur, the corresponding estimate crossed Rs 500 crore, according to representatives of local business chambers.
Tulsi Patel, president of the Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries, said Ranchi’s Dhanteras business was over Rs 700 crore and that festive sales across Jharkhand were expected to reach around Rs 2,300 crore. The estimate covers business during Dhanteras and the wider Diwali period.
The surge came even as precious-metal prices remained high. In Ranchi, 24-carat gold was priced at Rs 1,42,040 per 10 grams, while 22-carat gold was priced at Rs 1,30,203. Rates for 20-carat and 18-carat gold stood at Rs 1,18,367 and Rs 1,06,530 per 10 grams, respectively. Silver of 999 purity was priced at Rs 1,83,860 per kilogram.
Jewellery stores in Ranchi reported a steady flow of customers throughout the day. Jitendra Verma, president of the Ranchi Sona Chandi Vyavsayi Samiti, said gold and silver sales crossed Rs 150 crore, with customers purchasing coins in significant numbers.
The automobile market also recorded strong activity in the capital. More than 600 cars were sold across Ranchi on Friday. Consumer purchases extended beyond high-value goods, with households buying silver coins, utensils, earthen diyas and firecrackers as part of Dhanteras traditions.
In Jamshedpur, the automobile sector accounted for the largest share of festive business, followed by jewellery and electronic goods, including home appliances. Manav Kedia, president of the Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said automobiles accounted for around 30% of the money spent during Dhanteras and Diwali. Jewellery and electronics each contributed around 25%, while real estate and utensils accounted for around 10% each.
The electronics segment included mobile phones, refrigerators, washing machines, LED televisions and air-conditioners. Raja Singh, proprietor of an electronics showroom in Jamshedpur, said these categories made up a major share of sales. SCCI vice-president Anil Modi said Dhanteras and Diwali shopping had brought more than Rs 500 crore in business to the Jamshedpur market.
The reported figures underline the scale and diversity of festive commerce in Jharkhand’s two largest urban markets, spanning high-value purchases such as cars and property as well as household goods and traditional items. Traders’ estimates for the full festive period will determine whether state-wide sales reach the projected Rs 2,300 crore.
