Dhanteras 2026 witnessed strong consumer spending across India, with shoppers continuing to purchase gold, silver, electronics, household goods and festive items despite elevated precious metal prices. According to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), estimated spending during the festival reached ₹1 lakh crore, highlighting strong demand across several retail categories.
Bullion purchases accounted for a significant share of the festive business, while silver, kitchen appliances, electronics and decorative products also attracted buyers.
Dhanteras 2026 Sales Reach ₹1 Lakh Crore
According to CAIT, Indian consumers spent approximately ₹1 lakh crore during Dhanteras 2026. Gold and silver sales alone contributed around ₹60,000 crore, marking an estimated 25% increase compared with the previous year.
The figures indicate that traditional festive shopping remained strong even as buyers faced higher prices for precious metals. Jewellery retailers and bullion traders benefited from demand for both investment purchases and festive gifting.
Gold and Silver Prices Influence Festive Buying
Gold prices were trading at approximately ₹1.42 lakh per 10 grams following a market correction ahead of Dhanteras. Despite the high price levels, gold continued to attract buyers looking to purchase jewellery and coins during the auspicious occasion.
Silver also recorded strong demand, with prices reaching approximately ₹1.80 lakh per kilogram. According to the reported estimates, silver sales volumes nearly doubled compared with previous years.
The changing price trends influenced buying preferences, with some consumers exploring smaller purchases and alternative jewellery options.
Consumers Expand Purchases Beyond Gold and Silver
Dhanteras shopping in 2026 extended beyond traditional bullion purchases. CAIT's reported estimates indicated strong spending across several retail categories:
- Gold and silver: ₹60,000 crore
- Utensils and kitchen appliances: ₹15,000 crore
- Electronics and electrical goods: ₹10,000 crore
- Decorative and religious items: ₹3,000 crore
- Total festive spending: ₹1 lakh crore
Lightweight gold jewellery, 18-karat wedding jewellery, lab-grown diamonds and silver coins also attracted interest, particularly among younger consumers.
The demand suggests that shoppers are balancing traditional Dhanteras purchases with practical household requirements and modern gifting preferences.
Preventive Healthcare Also Gets Attention on Dhanteras
Alongside traditional purchases of gold and other valuables, preventive healthcare received attention during Dhanteras and Dhanvantari Jayanti celebrations.
Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav encouraged families to give importance to preventive healthcare and long-term well-being. Referring to the principle of "Swasthasya Swasthya Rakshanam", he highlighted the importance of protecting health alongside the traditional celebration of material prosperity.
The message connected the festival's cultural significance with the growing importance of wellness and preventive health practices.
Dhanteras 2026 Reflects Strong Festive Consumer Demand
The reported spending figures highlight the continued importance of Dhanteras for India's retail and jewellery markets. While gold and silver remained major attractions, consumers also contributed to sales in electronics, kitchen appliances, utensils and festive decorations.
The festival's estimated ₹1 lakh crore business reflects broad-based consumer participation and the continued influence of traditional shopping occasions on India's economy.
