Gold too cheap before gods

When it comes to buying gold-plated visuals showing gods and goddesses, money does not seem to come in the way.

People in this region are willing to spend anywhere between Rs 200 and 40,000 on these gold-plated objects showing the Golden Temple, and holy places in Mecca, Madina, etc.

Talking to Business Standard, Kabul Trading Company Proprietor Inderjit S Kataria, who is the authorised distributor of these products, made with 24 carat gold-plated foils imported from Switzerland, said, "As compared to last year, sales have risen 26 per cent."

His company, on average, sells 1,500 pieces of visuals per month. Kataria said on festive occasions like Diwali, sales grew manifold and even touched 10,000 pieces."

The range of products made with 24-carat gold-plated foil (with a permanent warranty on gold plating) include car frames, table top frames, wall hangings, visiting card holders (in chrome as well as 24-carat gold-plated finish), pen stands, desk-top mobile holders, desk planners, temples, travel photo frames and other utility products.

Commenting upon the whether the skyrocketing prices of gold are proving a obstacle, he said, "People in India are god-fearing. So, when it comes to religious feelings, people don't bother about the money and never indulge in bargaining, and so it doesn't hamper the sales."

His Company, Kabul Trading Company, is the authorized distributors for Punjab, Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir. The Company have about 150 dealer network in these three states. Speaking about the popularity of the product, Kataria added by the end of next fiscal we are planning to add 50 more outlets to have easy access.

His company also exports these items to Pakistan and Nepal also. He said that there is great demand of the visuals in Pakistan and Nepal also.