Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, is believed to bring prosperity if people buy gold on the occasion. No wonder, the entire country every year sees a surge in jewellery sales on this day. However, the mindset of the people seems to be changing, with many going for substitutes and buying things that serve their practical purpose. Orissa POST interacts with a few women who prefer buying things instead of gold on Dhanteras.
Sthita Pragyan Nanda, an HR professional from Bhubaneswar, says, “It is a ritual to buy gold on Dhanteras. Buying gold jewellery and keeping them in your bank locker doesn’t make sense these days. Today, investing in something which can give you short-term benefit is also considered auspicious. So, some people buy things that will come handy in their businesses and professions on this day hoping that it will help them prosper.”
“Traditionally, people buy gold jewellery on Dhanteras, but not everyone uses them. Moreover, youngsters today think it’s better to buy digital gold certificates than the yellow metal,” says Baishali Parada from Rourkela.
“Buying gold on Dhanteras is a tradition. But young women are pragmatic in their approaches who believe that it is better to buy products, other than gold, which have same appreciation value but can be kept safely at home instead of keeping them in bank lockers. So, buying gold certificates is the best alternative to buying the metal itself. They can be bought online and have same appreciation rate compared with gold. Many agencies, including the government, offer opportunities to buyers through Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme, which is fast gaining popularity. Significantly, no making charges are imposed on the buyers for ‘digital’ gold,” adds Parida.
Rashmi Nayak from Koraput says, “Traditionally, people used to buy silver coins for their home and for gift purpose. But their midset is changing. According to a recent survey, electronic goods are gradually finding their way into the homes of consumers on Dhanteras, replacing gold and silver jewellery. This kind of buying is also believed to be auspicious on this day. People can buy goods like mobile phones, laptops, microwave ovens and refrigerators to enhance their comfort level. With many online shopping sites offering lucrative discounts on electronic goods, I am planning to buy a good mobile handset this Dhanteras.”
“Buying a broom on Dhanteras is also believed to be auspicious. Brooms help in eliminating negative energy and poverty from a household,” she adds.
Madhusmita Bisoi, a home maker from Cuttack, says, “I considered purchasing gold or new kitchen utensils on Dhanteras to be auspicious. But my perceptions changed after I surfed some websites. Project Streedhan is an initiative that encourages women to invest in something other than gold on Dhanteras. They want women to invest in iron because one in every two women in our country is anaemic. Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anaemia in women. Many women are raising online awareness on the growing rate of anaemia in women in our country. The campaign uses the hashtag #InvestInIron and urges women to consume foods rich in iron. I am very much concerned about the issue and hope women across the country take oath on the occasion to consume iron-rich foods for good health.”
SOYONG, OP