India, Oct. 18 -- Gold and silver continue to be the preferred choice across the country during the ongoing Diwali celebrations, despite the prices of precious metals hitting new high everyday. Interestingly, while the demand for jewellery has slowed, people are buying gold and silver bullion this season.

Total gold and silver trade on Dhanteras is expected to exceed Rs 50,000 crore nationwide, according to estimates by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) and its jewellery wing, the All India Jewellers and Goldsmith Federation (AIJGF). In Delhi alone, sales on Dhanteras are expected to reach Rs 8,000-Rs 10,000 crore, with markets such as Chandni Chowk, Karol Bagh, and Lajpat Nagar reporting strong footfall.

Gold prices surged ...