On Dhanteras, the markets of Gorakhpur city were seen buzzing and people did a lot of shopping from morning till late night. Shops started getting decorated since morning for Dhanteras, but as the days progressed, the hustle and bustle in the markets increased. There was less crowd in the markets from morning to afternoon. But in the afternoon the crowd kept increasing. People shopped in the markets till late night. Seeing the auspicious time, people bought utensils, jewellery, vehicles, clothes and electronic goods extensively. There was a business of more than Rs 500 crore in all sectors. In the main markets of Gorakhpur metropolis, Golghar, Ghantaghar, Pandehata, Asuran, Arya Nagar, Mohaddipur, shops were decorated since morning waiting for customers. Till afternoon, less people were seen in the markets but gradually the brightness increased. People were seen shopping at shops selling utensils, electronics, furniture, clothes and jewellery. However, people purchasing four-wheelers or two-wheelers should bring the new vehicles to their homes within the day without waiting for the auspicious time.
Open door of idols of Lakshmi and Ganesh ji
In the evening the doors of the idols of Lakshmi and Ganesh were opened. Seeing the auspicious time, people performed the aarti of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha and after that their doors were opened and the worship continued in the pandals till late night. In view of the crowd, arrangements for police force were made by the administration. Barricades were erected in crowded areas. Two wheelers and four wheelers were not allowed to enter the crowd. Parking arrangements were made at various places. People coming on two-wheelers and four-wheelers were parking their vehicles at the parking lot itself.
There was more excitement in the bullion and utensils market
The bullion and utensils market was the most buzzing on Dhanteras. The maximum turnover of Rs 250 crore was done in the bullion markets. There was also a turnover of utensils worth Rs 50 crore. Jewelery sales are said to be 20% more than last year. Along with gold and silver ornaments, carved gold idols of gods and goddesses were sold in jewelery shops. Atul Saraf, MD of Ekspra Gems and Jewellers, said that people had placed orders and got many other idols of God prepared along with Lakshmi Ganesh. People bought idols ranging from 10 to 50 grams. Sanjay Aggarwal of Golghar-based Parampara Gems and Jewelers said that apart from gold and silver coins, people also bought gold and diamond jewellery.
Along with brass and steel utensils, people also bought a lot of copper utensils. People were seen desperate to buy brass puja thali, lamp, stand, soup, idol etc. After purchasing the idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess of wealth Lakshmi in the markets, people also bought worship material extensively. For Kali Puja, Lakshmi Ganesh Puja etc. puja material like roli, oil, wick, incense sticks, diya, jo etc. were purchased.
Report – Kumar Pradeep, Gorakhpur