Best Practices for Buying Gold, Silver, and Utensils on Dhanteras 2025: Complete Guide for NRIs in USA

Introduction: Celebrating Dhanteras as an NRI in the USA

For Non-Resident Indians living in the United States, Dhanteras holds a special place in maintaining cultural connections while building lives abroad. This sacred festival, marking the beginning of Diwali celebrations, falls on October 20, 2025 (Monday), and offers NRIs a meaningful opportunity to honor traditions, invest wisely, and pass cultural heritage to the next generation.

Whether you’re in California, Texas, New York, or anywhere across America, this comprehensive guide will help you celebrate Dhanteras authentically while navigating the unique opportunities and challenges of shopping in the USA.

Understanding Dhanteras: Significance for the Diaspora

The Cultural Connection

Dhanteras, derived from “Dhan” (wealth) and “Teras” (thirteenth), celebrates prosperity, health, and new beginnings. For NRIs, this festival represents:

• Cultural continuity in a multicultural society
• Teaching moments for American-born children
• Community bonding with fellow Indians
• Financial planning aligned with tradition
• Connection to roots despite geographical distance

Why Dhanteras Shopping Matters for NRIs

Living abroad makes each cultural practice more intentional and precious. Dhanteras shopping becomes:

• A tangible link to Indian heritage
• An investment in both wealth and tradition
• A way to create memories for children
• A celebration of success in a new land
• An opportunity to support both Indian and local businesses

Dhanteras 2025: Auspicious Timings Converted to US Time Zones

Important Timings for October 20, 2025

Indian Standard Time (IST) Reference:

• Trayodashi Tithi Begins: October 20, 12:16 PM IST
• Trayodashi Tithi Ends: October 21, 12:45 PM IST
• Evening Puja Muhurat: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM IST
• Pradosh Kaal: 5:45 PM – 8:15 PM IST

Converted to US Time Zones

Eastern Time (ET) – New York, New Jersey, Florida:

• Shopping Muhurat: October 20, 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM ET
• Evening Puja: October 20, 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM ET
• Pradosh Kaal: October 20, 8:15 AM – 10:45 AM ET
• Alternative evening: October 19, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM ET

Central Time (CT) – Texas, Illinois, Michigan:

• Shopping Muhurat: October 20, 6:30 AM – 9:30 AM CT
• Evening Puja: October 20, 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM CT
• Pradosh Kaal: October 20, 7:15 AM – 9:45 AM CT
• Alternative evening: October 19, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM CT

Mountain Time (MT) – Colorado, Arizona:

• Shopping Muhurat: October 20, 5:30 AM – 8:30 AM MT
• Evening Puja: October 20, 6:30 AM – 8:00 AM MT
• Pradosh Kaal: October 20, 6:15 AM – 8:45 AM MT
• Alternative evening: October 19, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM PT

Pacific Time (PT) – California, Washington, Oregon:

• Shopping Muhurat: October 20, 4:30 AM – 7:30 AM PT
• Evening Puja: October 20, 5:30 AM – 7:00 AM PT
• Pradosh Kaal: October 20, 5:15 AM – 7:45 AM PT
• Alternative evening: October 19, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM PT

Practical Note for NRIs: Since traditional timings may fall during early morning hours, many NRIs prefer to shop on October 19th evening or complete purchases online during the muhurat and receive delivery later. The intention and devotion matter more than exact timing when living abroad.

Where to Buy Gold in USA: Complete Guide for NRIs

Major Indian Jewelry Stores in USA

1. National Chain Stores

Bhindi Jewelers

• Locations: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois
• Specialty: 22K Indian gold jewelry
• Website: bhindijewelers.com
• Known for: Traditional designs, festival collections

PNG Jewelers (P.N. Gadgil & Sons)

• Locations: New Jersey, Illinois
• Specialty: Authentic Indian designs
• Website: pngjewelersusa.com
• Known for: Pune heritage, certified jewelry

Malabar Gold & Diamonds

• Locations: Multiple US cities
• Specialty: South Indian designs
• Website: malabargoldanddiamonds.com
• Known for: International standards, variety

Kalyan Jewellers

• Locations: Texas, New Jersey, California
• Specialty: Contemporary and traditional
• Website: kalyanjewellers.net
• Known for: Celebrity collections, trust

2. Regional Indian Jewelers by State

California (Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego):

• Bombay Jewelry
• SAJ Jewelry (Artesia)
• VBJ Jewelers (Fremont)
• Asian Bridal Gallery (Sunnyvale)

Texas (Houston, Dallas, Austin):

• Kiran Jewelers (Houston)
• Bombay Jewelry (Dallas)
• Nathella Sampathu (Houston)
• Raja Jewelers (Dallas)

New Jersey (Edison, Jersey City, Iselin):

• Manubhai Jewelers (Edison)
• Diamond District (Edison)
• Joyalukkas (multiple locations)
• Waman Hari Pethe (Jersey City)

New York (Queens, Long Island):

• Indian Jewelers (Jackson Heights)
• Khazana Jewelers (Queens)
• Multiple stores in “Little India” areas

Illinois (Chicago suburbs):

• Niraj Jewelers (Naperville)
• Titan Store (Schaumburg)
• Multiple Devon Avenue stores

Georgia (Atlanta):

• Caratlane Store
• Multiple Patel Brothers plaza locations

North Carolina (Cary, Charlotte):

• Several stores in Indian shopping centers

American Jewelry Retailers

While Indian designs may be limited, these offer quality certified gold:

High-End Retailers:

• Tiffany & Co. – Investment pieces, excellent quality
• Cartier – Luxury gold jewelry
• Harry Winston – Premium collections

Mid-Range Options:

• Kay Jewelers – Certified gold, good warranties
• Jared – Wide selection, financing options
• Zales – Affordable certified jewelry

Precious Metal Dealers:

• APMEX (American Precious Metals Exchange) – Gold coins/bars
• JM Bullion – Investment gold
• Costco – Certified gold bars and coins
• SD Bullion – Online precious metals

Online Options for NRIs

Indian Websites Shipping to USA

Tanishq International

• Ships to USA
• Traditional Indian designs
• Trusted Tata brand
• Website: tanishq.co.in/international

CaratLane (Tanishq Partnership)

• US operations available
• Contemporary designs
• Certified jewelry
• Website: caratlane.com

BlueStone

• International shipping
• Modern designs
• Certified jewelry
• Website: bluestone.com

Melorra

• Lightweight daily wear
• Ships internationally
• Contemporary styles
• Website: melorra.com

US-Based Online Retailers

Reputable platforms:

• Amazon (Amazon.com/gold) – Verified sellers only
• Blue Nile – Certified fine jewelry
• James Allen – High-quality gold
• Costco.com – Gold coins and bars
• eBay (eBay.com) – From authorized dealers only

Gold Investment Options in USA

Physical Gold

1. Gold Coins

• American Gold Eagle – US Mint, highly liquid
• American Gold Buffalo – 24K pure gold
• Canadian Gold Maple Leaf – Recognized globally
• Lakshmi-Ganesh Coins – Available at Indian stores

2. Gold Bars

• PAMP Suisse bars (Swiss made)
• Credit Suisse bars
• Perth Mint bars
• Available: 1oz to 1kg sizes

Paper Gold (Alternative Investments)

1. Gold ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds)

• GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) – Largest gold ETF
• IAU (iShares Gold Trust) – Lower expense ratio
• GLDM (SPDR Gold MiniShares) – Fractional shares

2. Gold Mining Stocks

• Newmont Corporation (NEM)
• Barrick Gold (GOLD)
• Provides exposure to gold prices

3. Digital Gold

• OneGold – Digital gold backed by physical
• Vaulted – Physical gold in digital form
• Can be converted to physical delivery

Complete Gold Buying Guide for NRIs

Understanding US Gold Standards

Purity Measurements

• Karat System (Used in USA and India)
  • 24K = 99.9% pure gold
  • 22K = 91.6% pure gold (traditional Indian jewelry)
  • 18K = 75% pure gold (common in US jewelry)
  • 14K = 58.3% pure gold (popular in USA)

Certification Standards

For Indian Jewelry:

• BIS Hallmark (Bureau of Indian Standards)
• HUID (Hallmark Unique ID) – mandatory since 2021
• Always verify these marks

For American Jewelry:

• Hallmark stamp (14K, 18K, etc.)
• Manufacturer’s mark
• Gemological Institute of America (GIA) certification
• American Gem Society (AGS) certification

Price Comparison: India vs USA

Current considerations (October 2025):

In India:

• Base gold price per gram
  • Making charges (6-25%)
  • GST (3% on gold, 5% on making)
• ₹ pricing

In USA:

• Base gold price per troy ounce (31.1 grams)
  • Premium over spot (varies by product)
  • Sales tax (varies by state, 0-10%)
  • Making charges for jewelry
• $ pricing

Cost Comparison Example:

• 10 grams 22K gold coin in India: ₹65,000-70,000
• Same in USA: $800-900 (approximately ₹67,000-75,000)

Verdict: Prices are relatively comparable, but:

• USA offers better investment-grade gold products
• India offers traditional jewelry designs
• Consider customs duties if bringing from India

Smart Shopping Strategies for NRIs

1. Research Before Shopping

Price tracking:

• Monitor gold prices: Kitco.com, GoldPrice.org
• Check multiple jewelers
• Compare online vs. store prices
• Join Indian community groups for recommendations

Timing considerations:

• Shop early (mid-October) to avoid rush
• Some stores offer pre-Diwali sales
• Check for festival discounts
• Consider Black Friday sales (late November) for next year

2. Documentation and Certification

Must-have documents:

• Detailed invoice with item description
• Certification of purity/authenticity
• Appraisal certificate (for insurance)
• Warranty/return policy in writing
• Store contact information

For insurance purposes:

• Get professional appraisal
• Photograph items with certificates
• Maintain digital copies
• Update home insurance policy

3. Payment Methods

Best options:

• Credit cards (fraud protection, rewards points)
• Cashier’s check for large purchases
• Wire transfer for online orders
• Avoid cash for large amounts

Credit card benefits:

• 1-2% cash back
• Extended warranty protection
• Purchase protection insurance
• Easier dispute resolution

Tax Implications for NRIs

Sales Tax

• Varies by state: 0% (OR, NH, DE) to 10% (CA, NY)
• Some states exempt precious metal purchases above certain amounts
• Check your state’s specific rules

Capital Gains Tax

If you sell gold later:

• Held less than 1 year: Taxed as ordinary income
• Held more than 1 year: Maximum 28% (collectibles rate)
• Different from stock capital gains (15-20%)

Record keeping:

• Keep purchase receipts forever
• Note purchase price and date
• Document selling price and date
• Calculate holding period accurately

Reporting Requirements

• FBAR: Not required for gold held in USA
• Form 8938: Not typically required for physical gold
• Large cash transactions: $10,000+ reported by dealer

Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.

Buying Silver in USA: Complete Guide

Silver Investment Options

Physical Silver Products

1. Silver Coins

• American Silver Eagle – Most popular, 1 oz
• Canadian Silver Maple Leaf – High purity
• Austrian Silver Philharmonic – European favorite
• Indian designs – Available at Indian stores

2. Silver Bars

• Available: 1 oz to 100 oz sizes
• Popular brands: PAMP Suisse, Sunshine Mint
• Lower premium than coins
• Best for investment

3. Silver Jewelry and Items

• Sterling silver (92.5%) jewelry
• Traditional Indian silver items
• Silver utensils and pooja items
• Decorative pieces

Where to Buy Silver

Online Dealers (Best prices)

• APMEX.com – Largest selection
• JM Bullion – Low premiums
• SD Bullion – Competitive prices
• Provident Metals – Good variety
• Silver.com – User-friendly

Physical Stores

• Local coin shops – Personal service
• Indian jewelry stores – Traditional items
• Costco – Silver coins occasionally
• Pawn shops – Sometimes good deals (verify authenticity)

Indian Community Options

• Indian grocery stores – May sell silver items
• Temple gift shops – Pooja items, idols
• Community bulletin boards – Private sellers
• Indian restaurant plazas – Adjacent jewelry stores

Silver for Traditional Use

Pooja Items

Available at:

• Indian stores in USA
• Amazon.com (search “silver pooja items”)
• eBay (verified sellers)
• Direct from India (check customs)

Popular items:

• Silver Lakshmi and Ganesh idols
• Silver diyas and incense holders
• Silver pooja thali sets
• Silver bells and accessories

Silver Utensils

Where to find:

• Sur La Table – Sterling silver serving ware
• Williams Sonoma – High-end silver pieces
• Indian stores – Traditional designs
• Amazon – Wide selection

Traditional items:

• Silver glasses/tumblers
• Silver bowls and plates
• Silver serving spoons
• Silver water bottles

Silver Quality and Certification

Standards in USA:

• .999 Fine Silver – Investment grade
• .925 Sterling Silver – Jewelry standard
• Hallmark stamps required
• Reputable dealer certification

Verification:

• Look for stamps (.999, .925, STERLING)
• Buy from reputable dealers
• Request certificates for large purchases
• Test with magnet (silver is non-magnetic)

Buying Traditional Utensils in USA

Where to Find Indian Utensils

Indian Grocery Store Chains

Nationwide chains:

• Patel Brothers – Largest, 50+ locations
• Subzi Mandi – California, Texas
• India Bazaar – Multiple states
• Apna Bazaar – Texas, California

What they sell:

• Brass and copper items
• Stainless steel Indian cookware
• Traditional serving dishes
• Pooja thalis and items

Online Options

Indian Specialty Sites:

• BrassHaat.com – Traditional brass/copper items
• IndianCookwareAndGifts.com – Utensils and décor
• Amazon.com – Search “Indian utensils,” “brass utensils”
• EthnicIndian.com – Traditional items

General Retailers:

• Sur La Table – High-quality cookware
• Williams Sonoma – Premium kitchen items
• Crate & Barrel – Modern designs
• HomeGoods/TJ Maxx – Discounted quality items

Types of Utensils for Dhanteras

Traditional Metal Options

1. Copper (Tamba) Benefits:

• Ayurvedic health properties
• Water purification
• Antimicrobial properties
• Beautiful patina over time

Best items:

• Copper water bottles (hot in USA wellness market)
• Copper mugs (Moscow Mule mugs work well)
• Copper bowls and vessels
• Hammered copper cookware

Where to buy:

• Amazon, Crate & Barrel, Williams Sonoma
• Indian stores
• Whole Foods (copper bottles)
• Wellness stores

2. Brass (Peetal) Benefits:

• Traditional significance
• Durable and long-lasting
• Beautiful golden color
• Antibacterial properties

Best items:

• Pooja thalis and items
• Decorative bowls
• Diya sets
• Traditional serving pieces

Where to buy:

• Indian grocery stores
• Online Indian retailers
• Etsy (handmade items)
• World Market (sometimes)

3. Bronze (Kansa) Benefits:

• Traditional South Indian cookware
• Health benefits per Ayurveda
• Alkaline properties
• Elegant appearance

Best items:

• Eating plates (thali)
• Bowls and vessels
• Serving dishes
• Specialty available from Indian stores

4. Stainless Steel Benefits:

• Most practical for USA lifestyle
• Dishwasher safe
• Durable and rust-resistant
• Widely available

Best items:

• Complete cookware sets
• Storage containers
• Serving dishes
• Pressure cookers (Indian style)

Where to buy:

• Target, Walmart, Costco
• Sur La Table, Williams Sonoma
• Indian stores (for specific styles)
• Online retailers

Modern Kitchen Essentials

For new households:

• Quality cookware set (All-Clad, Cuisinart)
• Indian pressure cooker (Hawkins, Prestige – available on Amazon)
• Cast iron skillets (Lodge)
• Copper bottom pots

For established homes:

• Specialty items (kadhai, tawa)
• Upgrade existing cookware
• Premium brands
• Traditional decorative pieces

Quality Considerations

When buying traditional metals:

• Thickness matters – Avoid too-thin items
• Verify material – Ensure it’s actual copper/brass, not plated
• Check reviews – Especially important online
• Return policy – In case of defects
• Food-safe – Ensure inner coating if needed

For modern cookware:

• PFOA-free non-stick coatings
• Dishwasher-safe for convenience
• Induction-compatible if you have induction cooktop
• Oven-safe options more versatile

Special Considerations for NRIs

Shipping Gold/Silver from India

Customs Allowances

For Indian citizens (including NRIs):

• Male passengers: Up to ₹50,000 duty-free if abroad for more than 1 year
• Female passengers: Up to ₹1,00,000 duty-free if abroad for more than 1 year
• Amounts above this: Customs duty applicable

Regulations:

• Must be in form of jewelry, not bars/coins
• Must declare on arrival
• Keep purchase receipts
• Customs duty: Varies, typically 12.5-38% on excess

USA Customs:

• Must declare all monetary instruments over $10,000
• Gold jewelry for personal use: Generally no duty
• Investment gold: May require declaration
• Keep documentation

Practical Advice

Better strategy:

• Buy investment gold in USA (avoid customs hassles)
• Buy traditional jewelry in India (better designs)
• Ship via insured, tracked methods
• Understand both countries’ regulations

Gifting Gold/Silver to India

Remittance regulations:

• Can gift up to $250,000/year to relatives in India (LRS limits)
• Gift tax rules apply in India
• Document relationship
• Use proper banking channels

Physical transfer:

• Same customs rules apply
• Better to buy in India for India residents
• Consider digital gold platforms
• Tax implications in both countries

Building Cultural Heritage for Children

Teaching Opportunities

Make Dhanteras meaningful:

• Explain the significance in simple terms
• Involve children in shopping decisions
• Create family traditions around festival
• Document celebrations with photos/videos

Age-appropriate activities:

• Young children (5-10): Shopping trips, diya decorating, simple puja
• Pre-teens (11-14): Research projects, understanding investments, helping with puja
• Teenagers (15+): Financial literacy, investment choices, deeper cultural discussions

Creating Traditions

Annual practices:

• Family shopping expedition
• Special Dhanteras dinner
• Video call with grandparents in India
• Neighborhood temple visit
• Community celebrations

Documentation:

• Photo albums of each year’s purchases
• Journal of Dhanteras memories
• Video messages for future
• Family WhatsApp group sharing

Community Connection

Finding Indian Communities

Resources:

• Hindu temples in your area
• Indian cultural associations
• SEWA International chapters
• India Association of your state/city
• Facebook groups for Indian NRIs

Major temple locations:

• Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago (IL)
• Shiva Vishnu Temple (Livermore, CA)
• Hindu Temple & Cultural Center (Bridgewater, NJ)
• Hindu Temple of North Texas (Dallas, TX)
• Shirdi Sai Baba Temple (Phoenix, AZ)
• Sri Lakshmi Temple (Ashland, MA)
• Multiple temples in every major US city

Community Shopping Events

Look for:

• Pre-Diwali bazaars at temples
• Cultural center shopping events
• Indian store special hours/deals
• Community WhatsApp groups announcing events

Digital and Modern Alternatives

Digital Gold Platforms

OneGold.com

• Physical gold backed
• Store or take delivery
• Low premiums
• Mobile app available
• Integration with APMEX

Vaulted.com

• Fractional gold ownership
• Redeemable for physical
• Competitive pricing
• Easy to use platform

Cryptocurrency and Gold

Gold-backed cryptocurrencies:

• Paxos Gold (PAXG) – Each token = 1 oz gold
• Tether Gold (XAUt) – Similar concept
• Stored on blockchain
• Higher risk, modern approach

Note: These are speculative and not traditional Dhanteras purchases, but growing in popularity among tech-savvy NRIs.

Online Puja and Virtual Celebrations

For distant celebrations:

• Virtual temple pujas – Many temples offer online bookings
• Video call puja with family in India
• Streaming events from major temples
• Zoom celebrations with friends/family

Platforms:

• Temple websites
• YouTube live streams
• Zoom/Google Meet family gatherings
• WhatsApp video calls

Financial Planning for NRIs

Portfolio Diversification

Recommended allocation:

• Physical gold: 5-10% of investment portfolio
• Gold ETFs: Additional 5-10%
• Silver: 2-5%
• Other investments: 75-83%

For Dhanteras specifically:

• Budget: 1-2% of annual income
• Balance: Investment (60%) + Traditional items (40%)
• Long-term view: Hold for 5+ years

Investment Strategy

Building Gold Holdings

Systematic approach:

• Annual Dhanteras purchase – Create tradition
• Dollar-cost averaging – Buy regularly regardless of price
• Mix products – Coins, jewelry, ETFs
• Document everything – For future reference

Estate Planning

Important for NRIs:

• Update will to include precious metals
• Consider trust structures
• Beneficiary designations
• Cross-border considerations

Retirement Planning

Gold in retirement:

• Hedge against inflation
• Currency diversification (USD and gold)
• Generational wealth transfer
• Emergency liquidity

Gold IRAs:

• Self-directed IRA can hold physical gold
• Specific rules and custodians
• Higher fees than regular IRAs
• Consider carefully

Safety and Security in USA

Home Storage

Best practices:

• Home safe – Fireproof, waterproof, bolted down
• Safe deposit box – Bank vault storage
• Hidden locations – Multiple small caches
• Don’t advertise – Keep purchases private

Recommended safes:

• SentrySafe (fireproof options)
• Stack-On (security safes)
• Liberty Safe (premium options)
• Fort Knox (high security)

Insurance

Homeowners/Renters Insurance:

• Standard policies: Limited jewelry coverage ($1,000-2,000)
• Scheduled Personal Property rider needed
• Covers theft, loss, damage
• Requires appraisals

Specialty Jewelry Insurance:

• Jewelers Mutual – Specialized coverage
• Chubb – High-value items
• State Farm – Jewelry floater policies
• More comprehensive than homeowners

Documentation needed:

• Professional appraisals
• Photos of items
• Purchase receipts
• Update regularly (every 2-3 years)

Banking Considerations

Large cash transactions:

• Banks report $10,000+ cash deposits (CTR)
• Not illegal, just reported
• Use checks/cards when possible
• Maintain documentation

Safe deposit boxes:

• Annual rental: $30-300 depending on size
• Not FDIC insured
• Bank access hours only
• Consider duplicates at home

Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing

Ethical Gold

Certifications to look for:

• Fairmined Gold – Ethical small-scale mining
• Recycled Gold – Environmentally friendly
• RJC Certified – Responsible Jewelry Council
• SCS Certified – Sustainability standards

Questions to ask jewelers:

• Source of gold
• Ethical sourcing policies
• Recycling programs
• Conflict-free certification

Supporting Responsible Businesses

Choose jewelers who:

• Provide transparency about sourcing
• Support fair labor practices
• Offer recycling programs
• Engage in community support

Indian jewelers in USA often:

• Maintain connections to India
• Support both communities
• Follow traditional ethical practices
• Provide cultural authenticity

Practical Shopping Tips for NRIs

Pre-Shopping Preparation

Research phase (1-2 weeks before):

• [ ] Monitor gold/silver prices
• [ ] Read reviews of local jewelers
• [ ] Check online options and prices
• [ ] Set specific budget
• [ ] List desired items
• [ ] Join local Indian community groups
• [ ] Check store hours for Dhanteras day

Documentation prep:

• [ ] Ensure ID is current
• [ ] Have insurance info ready
• [ ] Credit card with high limit
• [ ] Note-taking app/paper
• [ ] Phone camera for documentation

Shopping Day Strategy

Morning of Dhanteras:

• Start early to avoid crowds
• Visit 2-3 stores for comparison
• Take notes and photos (ask permission)
• Don’t rush decisions
• Negotiate politely (more accepted at Indian stores)

What to bring:

• Photo ID
• Credit cards
• Checkbook for large purchases
• Phone for price verification
• Notepad for comparisons
• Reusable shopping bags

Verification Checklist

Before purchasing gold:

• [ ] Verify karat stamp clearly visible
• [ ] Check certification (BIS or GIA)
• [ ] Weigh on store scale, note weight
• [ ] Verify making charges clearly itemized
• [ ] Confirm return/exchange policy
• [ ] Get detailed written invoice
• [ ] Check for damage or imperfections
• [ ] Photograph item with certificate

Before purchasing silver:

• [ ] Verify .999 or .925 stamp
• [ ] Check for manufacturer mark
• [ ] Verify weight and quantity
• [ ] Inspect for damage
• [ ] Get certificate if available
• [ ] Confirm pricing per ounce
• [ ] Check return policy

Before purchasing utensils:

• [ ] Verify material (brass/copper/steel)
• [ ] Check for food-safe certifications
• [ ] Inspect finish and coating
• [ ] Verify dishwasher safe if needed
• [ ] Check handles and attachments
• [ ] Compare prices with other stores
• [ ] Verify return policy

Post-Purchase Best Practices

Documentation Organization

Create a digital folder:

• Scan all receipts and certificates
• Store in cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox)
• Create backup copies
• Share with spouse/family
• Update insurance company

Physical organization:

• Fireproof safe for original documents
• Labeled envelopes by item
• Purchase date noted
• Appraisal info attached
• Photos with documentation

Maintenance and Care

Gold jewelry:

• Clean with mild soap and warm water
• Soft cloth for polishing
• Store in separate pouches
• Avoid harsh chemicals
• Professional cleaning annually

Silver items:

• Polish regularly with silver polish
• Use anti-tarnish strips in storage
• Hand wash traditional items
• Dry immediately after washing
• Store in cool, dry place

Copper and brass:

• Clean with lemon and salt paste
• Dry thoroughly after washing
• Light coating of oil prevents tarnishing
• Hand wash only
• Regular polishing maintains shine

Stainless steel:

• Dishwasher safe (most items)
• Avoid abrasive cleaners
• Dry to prevent water spots
• Store properly stacked
• Replace if warped or damaged

Sharing with Family in India

Virtual sharing:

• WhatsApp photos to family
• Video call during puja
• Share purchase stories
• Explain significance to children
• Create family traditions

Physical sharing:

• Send photos of items via India Post
• Bring items on next India visit
• Purchase similar items for family in India
• Share blessing of prosperity

Dhanteras Puja at Home in USA

Setting Up Puja Space

Essential items:

• Small table or designated corner
• Clean cloth (red or yellow)
• New purchases displayed
• Lakshmi and Ganesh photos/idols
• Diya (oil lamp) or candles
• Incense sticks
• Flowers (available at Indian stores or regular florists)
• Prasad (sweets from Indian store)

Where to get puja items:

• Indian grocery stores (complete puja kits available)
• Amazon.com (search “Diwali puja kit”)
• Local temple gift shops
• Online Indian retailers (IndianGiftsPortal.com)

Simplified Puja Vidhi for USA

Morning routine:

1. Clean house and puja area
2. Take shower and wear clean clothes
3. Set up puja items
4. Light diya/lamp

Evening puja (adapt timing to your schedule):

1. 6:00 PM – Prepare puja thali
2. 6:15 PM – Family gathers
3. 6:30 PM – Begin puja:
   • Light diya and incense
   • Place new purchases before deities
   • Chant or play Lakshmi mantras
   • Offer flowers and prasad
   • Perform aarti (devotional song)
4. 7:00 PM – Distribute prasad
5. Evening – Keep lights on, leave window cracked (traditional)

Mantras and prayers:

• Play from YouTube: “Lakshmi Aarti” or “Dhanteras Puja”
• Om Shri Mahalakshmyai Namah (simple mantra)
• Or simply pray in your own words

Involving Children

Make it meaningful:

• Explain in simple English why we celebrate
• Let them help set up puja
• Teach them simple mantras
• Let them light electronic diyas (safe alternative)
• Share stories of Lakshmi and Dhanvantari
• Make it fun,