The festive occasion of Dhanteras always sees a surge in demand for gold across India, and this year (18 October 2025) is no exception. As buyers prepare to invest in the auspicious yellow metal, it’s important to understand what the latest rates, trends and influencing factors mean for both investors and jewellery seekers.
Current Gold Rates: What’s on the board?
Here are some of the updated figures for gold in India as of 18 October 2025:
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24-carat (pure gold) is trading at approximately ₹ 12,958 per gram (≈ ₹ 1,29,580 per 10 g) for the first time reaching this territory.
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22-carat gold is at about ₹ 11,870 per gram (≈ ₹ 1,18,700 per 10 g) and has likewise seen strong upward movement.
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Earlier data for comparison shows on 17 October the 24K/10 g was about ₹ 1,29,270-plus and 22K similarly near ₹ 1,18,650.
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According to one source, the 24 K price hit around ₹ 1,33,770 per 10 g in some markets just ahead of festival buying.
In short: gold is at or near all-time highs in many parts of India as the festival demand kicks in.
Why the sharp rise?
Several factors are fuelling the gold price surge:
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Festive demand for Dhanteras & Diwali: Jewellery purchases traditionally spike during the festival season, driving up local demand.
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Global cues: A weaker US dollar, inflation concerns, and safe-haven demand are pushing gold higher internationally—impacting domestic rates.
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Import costs & rupee movement: Since India imports most of its gold, any depreciation of the rupee or uptick in import cost adds to domestic gold prices.
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Limited meaningful correction: Despite the high levels, analysts believe “buying on dips” may still make sense because the rally may continue.
What this means for buyers and investors
Whether you’re buying jewellery or investing in gold, here are the key take-aways:
Jewellery Buyers
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With 24 carat nearing ₹ 1.3 lakh per 10 g and 22 carat around ₹ 1.18 lakh, the cost of traditional purchases is steep.
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Consider purity and making-charges. If design or craftsmanship adds heavy making-charges, the effective cost can go even higher.
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Timing matters: Some buyers may prefer to buy now given the auspicious day (Dhanteras) despite higher rates, while others might wait for a dip.
Investors
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The spike indicates gold is acting as a hedge in uncertain times. If you’re buying gold bars or coins as investment, factor in storage and liquidity.
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Keep in mind that high entry points reduce the upside if prices stabilise or correct.
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Alternative instruments (e.g., sovereign gold bonds) might offer smoother exposure without making-charges.
City-wise variation & how to check
While the national average sets the tone, actual rates vary by city because of local taxes, hallmarking, and jeweller premiums. For example:
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In the national capital region, 10 g of 22 carat gold is reported at ~ ₹ 1,21,850 while 24 carat touched ~ ₹ 1,32,920.
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Many major jewellery chains list 22 carat today at ~ ₹ 11,995 per gram in cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru and Delhi.
Before you buy: call your local jeweller, check for hallmarking and compare making-charges to avoid surprises.
Should you buy gold now or wait?
Here’s a balanced look:
| Scenario | Consideration |
|---|---|
| Wanting jewellery for Dhanteras | Buying now gives the auspicious timing; accept higher rate. |
| Buying purely as investment | If you’re not time-sensitive, waiting for a dip might improve returns. |
| Already hold gold | High current levels might be a signal to evaluate your gold ratio and exposure. |
Analysts suggest the rally may still have some runway, but risks of a correction are also rising. “Buying on dips” is an approach mentioned for those not rushing into purchase.
Conclusion
Gold rates on 18 October 2025 in India are at record levels — 24 carat around ₹ 1.29 lakh per 10 g and 22 carat near ₹ 1.18 lakh. Driven by festive demand, global safe-haven flows and import cost pressures, buyers should approach with clarity: if you’re making a jewellery purchase for Dhanteras, the timing may be right despite high cost. If you’re investing for the long term, consider whether the high entry point and added charges make sense for your portfolio. In all cases: compare city-specific rates, check purity and charges, and make informed decisions rather than rush purely on auspicious timing.
