Diwali sparks gold rush in Dubai
Indian expats throng jewellery stores on auspicious occasion
Hundreds of Indian expatriates rushed to jewellery stores to buy gold yesterday, a custom considered to be auspicious on the festival of Dhanteras celebrated ahead of Diwali.
Some of the major retailers in Dubai said they see an increased footfall during the festive season. Customers are still inclined towards gold as it is considered a sign of prosperity and an ideal investment option, said Joy Alukkas, chairman and managing director, Joyalukkas Group.
“For centuries, Indians are emotionally and traditionally attached to gold. People have more options in gold nowadays, in terms of designs and hues, but gold continues to be the top priority in jewellery for customers.”
Gold jewellery is part of Indian culture, said Shamlal Ahamed, managing director, international operations, Malabar Gold and Diamonds.
“Gold still plays a crucial role in the rituals and as an adornment in traditional festivals like Diwali, Akshaya Tritiya, Onam, etc .... ”
Tens of thousands of expats are set to welcome the festival of lights today.
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With the Diwali excitement gripping Indian expats, nights in Dubai have become brighter.
Facades of buildings in many areas can be seen festooned with decorative lights, particularly in Bur Dubai, Meena Bazaar, Mankhool and Karama, which have a high number of Indian residents.
Many private firms and some Indian schools have declared a holiday for Diwali tomorrow, while many Indian expats are taking leave to enjoy the festivities. Classical music and dance institutes in the city are also celebrating the festival with fervour.
Al Seef Street in Dubai has become the hotspot for Diwali festivities this year with a 10day carnival offering a variety of activities and a Diwali market.
Among the activities not to be missed are a dazzling fireworks display, Dubai’s first official one for Diwali, which will take place at 8.30pm tomorrow and a Guinness World Record attempt for the biggest number of people lighting up LED lights in a relay taking place from 5 to 8pm at Al Seef Dhow Deck on Saturday.
Brisk business
Sweet shops are doing brisk business with customers booking pre-orders for a range of sweets, said Pankaj Agarwal, director at Bikanervala which opened a couple of more stores ahead of the festive season.
“Traditionally, motichoor laddu, rasmalai and kaju burfi are hot selling items during this season. We have introduced more milk-based sweets, new packaging and more variety of sweets like chana burfi and chana bites,” he said.
Renuka Parameswar, a music teacher from Tamil Nadu, said that lighting diyas (small earthen clay lamps), making rangolis (traditional decorative motifs), taking an oil bath early in the morning, wearing new clothes and preparing and distributing sweets and savouries are all integral part of Diwali celebrations.
No Diwali ceremony is complete without flowers and Indians in Dubai are now making online purchases for these and ■ ■ other Diwali decorative items, said Sunita Anchan, founder of www.arpan.ae, an online store offering same day delivery of these items.
“People love the convenience of booking [for these items] 24x7 from wherever they are. If they forget something, they can simply order again. No need to face the traffic and go all the way back to shops to purchase what they need.”