New Delhi, Oct. 20 -- Best wishes to everyone on the joyous occasion of Deepavali. There's something unique this time about the festival. After 1979, this is the first time when both gold and silver are beyond the common person's reach.

On 18 October, both the metals created a record. The 24-carat gold in Delhi market traded at a whopping Rs.1,31,800 per 10 gram and silver, not far behind, was available at a price of Rs.1,70,000 per kg. After this unprecedented surge, jewellers experienced a shortfall of gold. They could only provide gold and silver jewellery and coins to those who had pre-booked their orders.

In absence of gold and silver, the common man was content buying brass and steel utensils to fulfil their festival desires. The ...