The Albany Gazette - Dhanteras 2026: Malwa-Nimar Markets See ₹10 Crore Business Surge in Dhar

Festive shopping for Dhanteras generated an estimated ₹10 crore in business for Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, on Friday, with agricultural vehicles and two-wheelers leading sales. Markets across the Malwa-Nimar region, including Ratlam, Neemuch, and Pansemal, reported heavy footfall as residents purchased gold, silver, and household goods ahead of Diwali.

In Dhar, traders attributed the strong revenue to a shift in consumer preference toward agricultural machinery. Tractors and other farm vehicles contributed nearly ₹4 crore to the day’s total, while two-wheeler sales accounted for approximately ₹2 crore. Gold and silver transactions were estimated at ₹1 crore, with clothing and utensil shops recording another ₹2 crore.

Despite earlier concerns that rain might dampen shopping activity, traders described sales as satisfactory. Two-wheeler dealers noted encouraging demand for electric vehicles, while tractor dealers witnessed robust orders. Customers began visiting markets in the morning, timing their purchases to align with auspicious hours.

To manage traffic congestion in busy market areas, authorities barred four-wheelers from entering core shopping zones. This restriction allowed pedestrians and two-wheeler riders to move freely through crowded streets.

In Ratlam, jewellery buyers at DC Jewellers favored lightweight ornaments that combined contemporary design with traditional elegance. Vikas Kataria of the showroom noted that changing consumer preferences, particularly among younger customers, had increased demand for stylish pieces without excessive weight. The store introduced specific collections to meet this trend, though traditional designs continued to attract considerable interest.

Neemuch markets saw heavy crowds at Tagore Marg and Sarafa market. Buyers purchased gold and silver jewellery, coins, electronics, and household decorations. Shops selling earthen lamps, idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha, rangoli materials, and flower garlands remained busy. Broom shops also reported steady sales, reflecting the traditional significance of Dhanteras purchases.

Traffic police in Neemuch restricted four-wheelers on Tagore Marg, Tilak Marg, and Naya Bazaar to facilitate movement. The festive rush brought cheer to traders across sectors.

In Pansemal, two-wheeler showrooms reported better sales than the previous year. Pragati showroom owner Neeraj Gupta said around 140 vehicles were sold, while Hero showroom owner Dinesh Chaudhary reported nearly 135 sales. TVS showroom owner Vijay Badguzar noted approximately 50 vehicles sold.

Jewellery business remained moderate due to fluctuations in gold and silver prices. However, traders' association vice-president Satish Agrawal attributed improved sales in other sectors to better prices for agricultural produce. Shops selling earthen lamps, brooms, sweets, and Lakshmi idols were busy, with marigold flowers selling at around ₹40.

Festive preparations also advanced at the Shri Mahalakshmi Temple in Lal Chowki, Khandwa. Diwali festivities will begin on November 6 with Dhvaj Pujan on Dhanteras. The temple has been decorated with lights for celebrations continuing until November 11.

The flag worship ceremony will take place at 9 am in the presence of Shri 1008 Onkaranandji Brahmagir Guru Gadi Maharaj. Special worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Kuber, the deity of wealth, will also be performed. Temple authorities said rituals would include Dhanvantari Pujan, Shri Sukta recitation, and special aartis. Preparations have begun for the traditional pure-ghee Nukti sweet to be offered as mahaprasadi.

In Garoth, jewellery stores recorded brisk business as customers bought gold and silver ornaments during auspicious hours. Municipal council president Rajesh Sethia visited the market with his family and purchased goods from small shopkeepers and street vendors to promote the 'Vocal for Local' initiative. Chief municipal officer Girish Sharma restricted four-wheeler entry into crowded areas, while municipal employees were deployed to manage traffic.

Traffic disruption was particularly severe in Bagh. Vehicles crawled through narrow stretches as loading rickshaws and pickup vehicles parked in the middle of roads to unload goods. The problem was acute at Mahesh Nagar bus stand, where commuters remained stuck in traffic jams for 40 minutes. Two-wheelers, four-wheelers, buses, and other passenger vehicles struggled to pass through the congested stretch.

In Bakaner, markets stocked decorative items ahead of Govardhan Puja. Special shops sold accessories for adorning cattle, including colourful cloth coverings, bells, anklets, peacock feathers, garlands, decorative strings, and paints for horns. Shopkeepers reported better market activity than in previous years, with children showing enthusiasm for decorating livestock.

Trader Saifuddin Inji said the festival symbolizes the bond between farmers and their livestock and expresses gratitude towards them. On Govardhan Puja, farmers will bathe their cows and bulls, apply colours, and decorate them with garlands and ornaments before performing traditional worship and circumambulating Govardhan Maharaj.

In Alot, traders expressed optimism about brisk purchases. Vehicle showrooms attracted buyers with new models and offers, while jewellery shops reported interest in gold and silver ornaments. Clothing, electronics, and utensil stores displayed extensive collections to attract festive shoppers.

(A.Moore--TAG)