Indian quick-commerce platform Zepto delivered more than 14,000 gold and silver coins per hour at peak demand during Dhanteras, signalling a rapid move away from traditional physical markets.

Co-founder and chief executive Aadit Palicha revealed that purchases reached nearly 298 precious metal coins in a single minute, demonstrating how instant logistics networks are capturing high-ticket holiday retail alongside everyday staples.

Competitor Swiggy Instamart witnessed a parallel surge in consumer spending throughout the festive week, logging a 23-fold increase in gold coin orders and a sevenfold increase in silver purchases ahead of Dhanteras.

The rush extended far beyond precious metals into household items tied to Hindu festive rituals. Broom sales climbed 38.6 times compared to an ordinary day, while steel utensil orders rose 20 times and decorative light volumes multiplied by 18.2 times.

Shoppers also turned to instant delivery for ritual accessories and apparel. Zepto moved roughly 6,000 units of rangoli colours and cotton wicks per hour during peak windows, while men’s kurta orders increased 5.4 times.

Rival operator Swiggy Instamart recorded a parallel spike in consumer spending during the festive week. Orders for gold coins surged 23 times in the seven days leading up to Dhanteras, while silver coin transactions expanded sevenfold.

Basket values reflected immense consumer trust in delivery riders carrying high-ticket goods across Indian metros. One customer spent Rs 1.73 lakh on gold coins in a single checkout, while a shopper in Noida completed nine separate orders totalling nearly Rs 5 lakh.

For neighborhood jewellers and bazaar merchants, the Dhanteras numbers point to an immediate structural challenge.

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