New Delhi, Nov 1 (IANS): Parts of the city witnessed heavy traffic jams as revellers came out in droves to shop on the occasion of Dhanteras celebrated Friday while many others visited friends and family to exchange gifts ahead of Diwali on Sunday.

Traditionally, buying gold and other precious metals like silver and even steel utensils on Dhanteras is considered to be auspicious. Hence, the capital's popular markets saw the maximum rush.

Serpentine queues of vehicles could be seen in and around the Lajpat Nagar Central Market, South Extension, Greater Kailash, Khan Market, Chandi Chowk, Karol Bagh, Connaught Place, Rajouri Garden and Pitampura markets.

As a result, the traffic spilled on to major intersections, further adding to the stress and tensions of motorists. Places like Bhogal, Ashram, Tughlakabad, Okhla and parts of the Ring Road near the All India Institute of Medical Sciences were the most affected, said the Delhi Traffic Police.

"I've come to buy a pair of gold bangles on Dhanteras but have been stuck here for over an hour," said 32-year-old yoga trainer, Vinita Tandon, one of the hundreds caught in a major snarl near Karol Bagh market.

Ravinder Singh, 42-year-old banker who was on his way to meet his brother and exchange gifts ahead of Diwali, said: "The usual 25-minute journey is taking over an hour."

"It would have been better if I had taken an off from office and finished the work earlier," he added.

With the festive season on till Sunday, the situation is expected to become worse over the weekend when families, friends and relatives flit from one corner of the city to another for social calls.