Gurgaon: From gold coins and diamond jewellery to electric vehicles and AI-enabled televisions, Dhanteras shopping in Gurgaon went well beyond traditional purchases on Friday, with traders estimating business worth more than Rs 2,000 crore across the city, according to traders.Automobile dealerships alone reported sales of over 7,000 vehicles, while jewellery stores, electronics showrooms and traditional markets remained busy through the day.The festive rush began in the morning and continued till late evening, with shoppers thronging Sadar Bazaar, Sector 14, Sector 31, MG Road and Sohna Road. Malls and showrooms also reported brisk footfall as residents made purchases considered auspicious on the occasion.Police personnel were deployed at major markets to manage crowds and maintain security. Vehicles were barred from entering some of the busier shopping stretches to ease congestion.The automobile sector emerged as a major contributor to the festive business, with initial dealer estimates putting sales at more than 7,000 cars, motorcycles and scooters across around 350 showrooms in the city.Electric vehicles accounted for nearly 20% of the sales, according to an automobile showroom owner, reflecting growing interest in battery-powered vehicles.Jewellery stores also reported brisk business, although buyers largely favoured lightweight ornaments and smaller coins over heavier pieces amid high gold prices. “Gold coins weighing between one and five grams were particularly popular among customers looking to make traditional purchases without stretching their budgets,” said Ajay Goyal, president of the Jewellery Association.Silver coins weighing between five and 100 grams also saw strong demand. Coins featuring Lakshmi and Ganesh, plain silver coins and silver bars were among the preferred purchases. Among jewellery buyers, lightweight chains, rings, earrings and pendants found takers, alongside diamond jewellery and contemporary gold designs. Customers largely preferred lower-weight pieces and modern designs over heavier ornaments.Electronics retailers reported demand for large-screen smart TVs, AI-enabled televisions, double-door and side-by-side refrigerators, front-load washing machines and inverter air conditioners.Electronics hubs in Sector 29, Old Delhi Road and Jacobpura in Sadar Bazaar remained busy, with shoppers exploring festive discounts and exchange offers. Smartphones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches and wireless earbuds were also popular. Retailers said smart home appliances, including robotic vacuum cleaners, dishwashers and microwaves, were increasingly finding buyers alongside conventional electronics.Traditional Dhanteras purchases remained an important part of the shopping spree. Shops selling copper, brass and bronze utensils reported steady demand, along with stainless steel cookware, dinner sets, crockery and designer cutlery. Decorative lights, LED strings, puja thalis, Lakshmi-Ganesh idols and gift items also saw brisk sales ahead of Diwali.“The combination of traditional purchases and demand for modern consumer products contributed to the festive surge. While jewellery and utensils remained central to Dhanteras shopping, automobiles, electronics and smart home devices accounted for a significant share of consumer spending,” said Pradeep Modi, general secretary of Haryana Vyapar Mandal.Local traders pegged the day’s business at more than Rs 2,000 crore, though consolidated sales figures across sectors were yet to be compiled.
