Buying Gold This Diwali? Keep the tradition, skip the making charges
The mithai is ordered. The diyas are out. The outfit is finally sorted. Now for the one question every aunty will ask: "Did you buy gold for Dhanteras?" This ye…
The mithai is ordered. The diyas are out. The outfit is finally sorted.
Now for the one question every aunty will ask: "Did you buy gold for Dhanteras?"
This year, Dhanteras falls on Friday 6 November and Diwali on Sunday 8 November. Here's how to do it well.
Why do families buy gold on Dhanteras?
Dhanteras starts the five days of Diwali. Dhan means wealth.
Bringing something precious home on this day, gold, silver or even a new steel vessel, is believed to bring good fortune for the year ahead.
In the UAE, it's one of the busiest gold days of the year, even when prices are high. As Joy Alukkas told Gulf News, "when Diwali and Dhanteras come around, Indian shoppers must have their new jewellery. It's a life-long habit."
What does festival gold really cost?
The tradition is priceless. The receipt isn't.
- Making charges. Festival offers cut them, but rarely to zero on everything.
- 5% VAT on jewellery, including the making charges.
- Resale. When you sell, you only get the gold value back. On a 20 gram bangle, that can be close to AED 900 gone on day one.
- The rush. Getting to the souk after work, through Dubai traffic, inside the muhurat.
Buying to wear? Or buying to save?
If you'll wear it, buy jewellery and enjoy it.
If it's about good fortune and saving, which for most families it is, buy real 24K gold on JustGold.
- Buy any time, day or night, so you can buy right at your muhurat.
- No making charges, and no VAT.
- Real 24K gold, kept in a vault here in the UAE.
- If silver is your family's custom, we have that too.
Giving gold as a gift?
Gold is the Diwali gift that keeps its value. A coin for a niece. A few grams for your parents. Something for the new baby in the family.
If you want to hand over something real, take your JustGold out as physical gold or silver. Gold starts from 1 gram, silver from 1 ounce. Just pick from the options in the Delivery section of the app. Minting and certificate charges apply, based on the weight.
One tip: a confirmation on your phone isn't something you can hand over at dinner. Order by Wednesday 4 November to get your gold delivered in time for Diwali.
Or skip the delivery altogether. Send gold straight to a family member's JustGold account. Just message or call our team, and it lands in their account instantly. No fee. They only need an active JustGold account. Perfect if they live across town, or you've left it to the last minute.
Four checks before you order
- The total fits your budget, extras included.
- You know the weight and purity.
- It'll arrive in time. The last day to order for Diwali delivery is Wednesday 4 November.
- You know the exchange policy, especially on festival offers.
Start a new Diwali habit
Here's an idea. Every Dhanteras, add a little to your gold. Same day, every year.
Ten Diwalis from now, you'll have a decade of festival gold. None of it lost to making charges.
Happy Diwali from all of us at JustGold.
FAQ
When is Dhanteras in 2026?
Friday 6 November. Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) is Sunday 8 November. Check your local panchang for muhurat times in the UAE.
Can I buy gold online for Dhanteras?
Many families do. If you're not sure it counts for your family, ask an elder or your priest.
Can I send gold to family on JustGold?
Yes. Message or call our team and the gold goes straight to their JustGold account, instantly and with no fee. They just need an active account.
What's the last day to order gold for Diwali delivery?
Wednesday 4 November 2026.
Gold or silver on Dhanteras?
Both are traditional. Silver is the more affordable choice.
Sources
About the author
Talha Mahmood is Head of Marketing and Partnerships at JustGold, the UAE's Shariah certified digital gold and silver savings app.
