Gold Rate Today, October 21, 2026: Gold prices continue to attract attention across India during the festive season, as families prepare to purchase jewellery and investors monitor movements in the precious metals market. With prices fluctuating across domestic and international markets, checking the latest rates has become particularly important before making a purchase.

According to the October 21 market report, gold futures on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) recorded a marginal decline of ₹37, while retail gold rates varied across major Indian cities.

The reported price of 24-carat gold in Delhi stood at ₹1,46,230 per 10 grams, while Chennai recorded a higher rate of ₹1,47,170 for the same quantity.

Gold prices also differed depending on purity, with 22-carat and 18-carat varieties generally costing less than 24-carat gold.

Here is a detailed look at the reported gold prices, market movements and important factors buyers should consider.

Gold Futures Decline Slightly on MCX

The domestic futures market witnessed a modest downward movement in gold prices, according to the supplied report.

Gold futures on MCX were quoted at ₹1,46,482 per 10 grams, compared with the previous closing level of ₹1,46,519.

This represents a decline of ₹37, or approximately 0.03%.

Although the movement was relatively small, it reflects the sensitivity of gold prices to changing market conditions.

In the international market, gold was reported at $4,137.90 per troy ounce.

International bullion prices, currency exchange rates and domestic demand can influence gold prices in India.

However, MCX futures prices should not be confused with retail jewellery rates, as the two represent different market segments.

Gold Rate Today: 24K, 22K and 18K Prices

The source report, citing GoodReturns, provides the following indicative gold prices for different purity levels.

These figures serve as reference rates and may vary depending on the city, jeweller and time of purchase.

The report also mentions a separate bullion market quotation of ₹1,46,800 per 10 grams for 24-carat gold.

Differences between published price sources can arise because of market timing, quotation methods and local pricing practices.

City-Wise Gold Prices on October 21, 2026

Gold rates are not necessarily identical throughout India. Local demand, supply conditions and market practices can contribute to differences between cities.

The following table presents the city-wise prices mentioned in the October 21 report.

Prices are indicative figures from the supplied October 21, 2026 report and have not been independently verified against live retail quotations.

Gold Prices in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai

Among the major metropolitan cities covered in the report, Chennai recorded the highest quoted price for 24-carat gold.

In Chennai, 24-carat gold was listed at ₹1,47,170 per 10 grams, while 22-carat gold stood at ₹1,34,900.

The reported price of 18-carat gold in the city was ₹1,10,850 per 10 grams.

Delhi's 24-carat gold price was ₹1,46,230, while 22-carat and 18-carat gold were quoted at ₹1,34,050 and ₹1,09,710, respectively.

Mumbai and Kolkata recorded identical rates in the source report, with 24-carat gold priced at ₹1,46,080 per 10 grams.

This means Chennai's quoted 24-carat gold price was ₹1,090 higher than the rate listed for Mumbai and Kolkata.

Buyers should remember that these comparisons do not include making charges or applicable taxes on jewellery purchases.

Gold Rates in Lucknow, Kanpur, Patna and Other Cities

Gold prices in several Uttar Pradesh cities were reported at the same level as Delhi.

Lucknow, Kanpur, Meerut, Ayodhya, Aligarh, Moradabad, Mirzapur and Jhansi all recorded a quoted 24-carat gold rate of ₹1,46,230 per 10 grams.

In these cities, 22-carat gold was listed at ₹1,34,050, while 18-carat gold stood at ₹1,09,710.

Patna recorded slightly lower reference prices.

The Bihar capital's 24-carat gold rate was ₹1,46,130 per 10 grams, while 22-carat gold was priced at ₹1,33,950.

For 18-carat gold, the reported price in Patna was ₹1,09,610 per 10 grams.

Customers should confirm the applicable rate with their local jeweller before making a purchase.

What Is the Difference Between 24K, 22K and 18K Gold?

Gold purity is one of the most important factors influencing its price and suitability for different purposes.

24-carat gold is approximately 99.9% pure and is commonly associated with investment products such as coins and bars. Because it is relatively soft, it is less suitable for many types of everyday jewellery.

22-carat gold contains approximately 91.6% gold, with the remaining portion consisting of other metals. It is widely used in traditional Indian jewellery.

18-carat gold contains 75% gold and 25% other metals. Its greater hardness can make it suitable for certain jewellery designs, including pieces featuring gemstones.

The appropriate purity depends on whether the buyer prioritises investment value, jewellery design, durability or budget.

Why Do Gold Prices Keep Changing?

Gold prices are influenced by several international and domestic factors.

Global economic uncertainty can affect demand for gold as investors seek assets perceived as stores of value.

Changes in US interest rates, bond yields and the strength of the US dollar may also influence international bullion markets.

For Indian buyers, the rupee-dollar exchange rate is particularly important because gold is internationally priced in dollars.

Domestic festive and wedding-season demand can influence local retail conditions as well.

Import duties, supply costs and other market factors may further affect prices.

These influences do not always move gold in the same direction, which is why short-term price fluctuations can be difficult to predict.

What Additional Charges Apply When Buying Gold Jewellery?

The quoted market rate is not necessarily the final amount a customer pays at a jewellery store.

Jewellery bills may include making charges, wastage charges where applicable, and GST.

Making charges cover the cost of designing and manufacturing jewellery. These charges can differ significantly depending on the jeweller and complexity of the design.

For example, if the quoted gold value of a jewellery purchase is ₹1,34,050, the final bill may be higher once making charges and taxes are added.

Customers should ask for a detailed invoice showing the gold weight, purity, rate, making charges and applicable taxes.

Comparing the total payable amount across jewellers can be more useful than comparing only the advertised gold rate.

How to Check Gold Purity Before Purchasing

Consumers should check whether gold jewellery carries the required BIS hallmarking details, where applicable.

A hallmark provides information about the certified purity of the jewellery.

Buyers can also use the BIS Care app to verify the Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number on eligible hallmarked jewellery.

It is advisable to purchase from reputable jewellers and retain the invoice for future reference.

Those buying gold primarily for investment should also compare the characteristics and costs of physical gold with other available gold investment products.

Should You Buy Gold During the Festive Season?

The festive season traditionally attracts strong interest in gold jewellery and investment purchases across India.

However, a festive occasion alone does not determine whether gold is attractively priced.

Buyers should consider their budget, financial goals and the total cost of ownership before purchasing.

Those planning large jewellery purchases may benefit from comparing rates across multiple jewellers and checking the applicable making charges.

Investors should also consider the risks associated with short-term price volatility.

Gold prices can rise or fall, and past market performance does not guarantee future returns.

Final Word

Gold prices remained in focus on October 21, 2026, with the supplied market report showing a marginal decline in MCX gold futures and varying retail quotations across major Indian cities.

The reported 24-carat gold price stood at ₹1,46,230 per 10 grams in Delhi, ₹1,46,080 in Mumbai and Kolkata, and ₹1,47,170 in Chennai.

Meanwhile, the indicative 22-carat gold rate in Delhi was ₹1,34,050 per 10 grams, compared with ₹1,09,710 for 18-carat gold.

Whether purchasing gold for jewellery, gifting or investment, consumers should verify the latest local rate, examine purity certification and account for additional charges before completing a transaction.

Editorial note: Gold futures, international bullion quotations and retail jewellery rates are different price measures. The figures in this article are taken from the supplied October 21, 2026 report and have not been independently checked against live MCX or jeweller quotations. Prices may change during trading hours.