Hundreds of shoppers thronged the local markets, malls, and retail outlets since Friday morning for buying jewellery, utensils, coins (gold and silver) on the auspicious occasion of Dhanteras.

Dhanteras marks the beginning of Diwali. It is a time when people loosen their purse strings and go on a buying spree. This year Dhanteras is being celebrated for two days. The auspicious time for buying began at 9.30 pm last night which will continue till Friday evening.

The crowd flouted Covid-19 safety protocols by evading social distancing norms and avoided wearing face masks.

The jewellery stores in the city were happy with the customers’ positive response despite the pandemic.

Customers at a jewellery store at Bistupur on Friday. Pic by Bhola Prasad

Sunil Verma, proprietor of Bistupur-based Kuldip Sons Jewellers, a leading jewellery store of Jamshedpur said that many people had made advance bookings. “The response of customers has been quite good despite the pandemic situation. Many customers who had booked their jewellery in advance got them delivered today on Dhanteras. We followed the Covid-19 safety protocols. Entry to our store was restricted for those without face masks,” said Verma while talking to The Telegraph Online.

A salesman of a store at Sakchi echoed similar views. “Covid-19 has failed to dampen the spirit of Dhanteras because jewellery, coins, and utensils were in huge demand,” he said.

Even small shops in areas like Sonari, Kadma, Baridih, Golmuri, and Telco attracted a large number of customers.

People make purchases on Dhanteras at Sakchi market on Friday. Picture by Bhola Prasad

Rakesh Agarwal, owner of a utensils store at Dalda Line in Sakchi said, “We did brisk business as the market remained crowded throughout the day.”

People also purchased kitchen appliances, electronic goods, apparel, and footwear on the occasion.

Aman Kumar, who sells decorative items and utensils at a shop inside the Bistupur market, said, “The sale picked up pace in the afternoon when several customers bought decorative pieces and utensils from me.”