Gold jewellery sales fall in Jaisalmer as traders stage jhalmuri protest in Sarrafa Market

Jewellery traders in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, held a symbolic protest on Monday over weak gold sales. Several shopkeepers in the Sarrafa Market served jhalmuri to visitors. Traders said rising gold prices and shifting buyer mood had reduced demand. They added that the slowdown had begun to affect daily business and earnings.

Representative image

Instead of placing gold and silver ornaments in display cases, some traders prepared and handed out puffed rice snacks. Passersby, local residents, and tourists gathered at the market. Many people stopped to watch the unusual scene. Several also tasted the jhalmuri offered by traders during the protest.

Gold sales decline in Jaisalmer jewellery market

Traders linked the fall in sales to record-high gold prices. According to trader Amrit Soni, fewer customers were visiting shops. Soni said many buyers were delaying jewellery purchases due to higher rates. Traders said lower footfall had made it harder to maintain normal business activity in the market.

"We have been in this trade for generations, but sales have declined to such an extent that it is becoming difficult to even manage operational expenses, trader Amrit Soni said.\"

Gold sales concerns and appeal by jewellery traders association

Another trader said the group respected government policies. The trader added that current market conditions were pushing businesses towards financial distress. Representatives of the local jewellery traders association said they would soon present their concerns to the administration. They planned to seek steps to support the sector and related jobs.

Association representatives also highlighted employment linked to the jewellery trade. They said artisans and labourers depended on steady demand for ornaments. Traders said prolonged weak sales could affect these workers as well. The group said the protest aimed to draw attention to the situation without disrupting the market.

With inputs from PTI