LUCKNOW, Oct. 19 -- Dhanteras saw historic spending in Lucknow, with gold purchases crossing 47 kg ( Rs.62.26 crore) at Rs.1,32,400 per 10 grams and silver hitting 890 kg ( Rs.15.21 crore) at Rs.1,71,000 per kg. Jewellery stores in Chowk, Aminabad, and Alambagh remained open till Sunday 3 am to cater to buyers, while vehicle showrooms reported over 22,000 sales during the festive period, including 15 ultra-luxury cars above Rs.1 crore and strong demand for SUVs and electric vehicles.

Jewellery stores reported long queues as shoppers rushed to make auspicious purchases. Traders described this Dhanteras as one of the best in recent years. Adesh Jain, vice president of Chowk Sarrafa Association, said, "Crowds stayed inside the shops till 3 ...