Patna: City jewellers have rolled out discounts and special offers to tap festive demand for Akshaya Tritiya on Sunday, with many buyers placing advance orders for gold and silver ornaments to avoid the last-minute rush. Traders said record-high gold prices have failed to dampen the buying sentiment, as the yellow metal continues to be viewed both as a traditional purchase and a safe investment.Akshaya Tritiya is considered highly auspicious for buying gold and other precious metals, with the belief that such purchases bring prosperity and good fortune. The festival, dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, falls on the third lunar day of the Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Vaishakha.Binod Kumar, president of the Pataliputra Sarafa Sangh, said customer footfall has been increasing over the past few days, especially during evening hours. “Anticipating heavy rush on the festival day on Sunday, many buyers have opted for advance bookings of jewellery and coins,” he said.Despite firm gold prices, demand remains strong, particularly for lightweight and contemporary designs. Umesh Tekriwal, manager of a branded jewellery store on Fraser Road, said younger customers are showing a preference for rose gold and diamond-studded jewellery. “Gold coins are also popular among buyers looking at smaller investment options, while personalised and custom-designed pieces are gaining traction,” he added.Jewellers reported strong demand for gold coins and bars, lightweight necklaces, chains, bracelets, diamond rings, earrings and bridal jewellery, driven partly by the ongoing wedding season. High prices, they said, have not dampened buying sentiment as gold continues to be seen as both a traditional necessity and a safe investment.Pranay Kumar Majumdar, manager of a jewellery shop on Fraser Road, said bracelets, bangles, earrings and rings are selling briskly. “Customers are largely opting for modern, lightweight jewellery. We are offering up to 100% discount on making charges for diamond jewellery and discounts of up to Rs 20,000 on gold jewellery,” he said.Anuj Kumar, manager of a jewellery store at Hathuwa Market, noted rising demand for 18-carat and 14-carat diamond jewellery, mainly for weddings. He said sales this Akshaya Tritiya are expected to rise by 10% to 15% compared to last year, driven by a blend of investment considerations and cultural beliefs.
