Bhubaneswar/Cuttack: Jewellery stores across Bhubaneswar and Cuttack witnessed a heavy rush on Friday as customers purchased gold and silver items, considered auspicious on the occasion of Dhanteras. Apart from precious metals, people also bought utensils, vehicles and household appliances as part of the festival tradition.Leading jewellery outlets in key commercial areas of the twin cities such as Saheed Nagar, Janpath, Chandrasekharpur, Rasulgarh, Badambadi and CDA reported steady growth in sales from morning till late in the evening. Many stores extended operating hours to accommodate customers, sources said.Industry representatives said that prices of 24-carat gold on Friday remained Rs 1,43,460 per 10 grams while 22-carat gold sold for Rs 1,31,500. Similarly, silver cost Rs 2,05,000 per kilogram. They estimated that despite the price, sales in the twin cities may cross the Rs 100 crore mark, which could be at least 10% up from last year’s sales.“Dhanteras is not merely about purchasing gold. It is a family tradition and an occasion to welcome prosperity. We have seen footfall increase significantly compared to normal business days. The bonus came in the form of a comparative fall in prices of both gold and silver recently,” said Sandeep Agarwal, a jeweller in Bhubaneswar.Traders said many customers opted for gold coins and small jewellery pieces, while younger buyers showed interest in contemporary and lightweight designs. Silver articles, particularly puja utensils and decorative items such as figurines, bowls and urli dishes, also witnessed high demand.Apart from shopping, households across the cities observed traditional rituals associated with Dhanteras. Families cleaned and decorated their homes, lit lamps and performed evening prayers dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. Markets, shopping complexes and residential colonies were illuminated with decorative lights, adding to the festivity.“We purchased a small gold coin and new utensils as it is considered auspicious on Dhanteras. The festival marks the beginning of Diwali celebrations every year. We have decorated our house with beautiful lights. This is one of the most awaited time of the year for us,” said Suchismita Dash, a resident of Nayapalli.In Cuttack, traders reported a similar festive mood, with a crowd gathering at jewellery stores and markets throughout the day. “The sentiment remains positive. Even though gold prices are high compared to last year, customers are making the purchases because Dhanteras carries cultural and religious significance,” said Prabhat Rath, a Cuttack-based trader.