Gold's duality in Patna manifests uniquely:
Cultural Roots
Wedding Mandates: Maithil brides wear "Tikuli" forehead pieces (5-7 tolas minimum) as generational heirlooms
Festive Rituals: Chhath Puja sees 40% annual sales spike with gold-coated offerings
Craft Heritage: Patna's Khazanchi Road workshops preserve 200-year-old Bidri inlay techniques
Economic Backbone
Agrarian Safety Net: 68% rural families pledge gold for crop loans during droughts (per RBI Bihar data)
Employment Engine: 3,500+ jewellery units employ 1.2 lakh artisans statewide
Urban Investment: Gold loans fund 23% of Patna's small businesses (CII 2023 report)
This blend makes gold indispensable – a bank during crises and identity marker during celebrations.