Festival of gold & grace

HERE'S a certain charm to Akshaya Tritiya—an age-old festival that still feels fresh every year.

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Celebrated on the third day of the bright half of Vaishakh (Vaishakha), it is believed that anything that begins this day—buying gold, silver, tulsi, earthen pots, rock salt, a new home or anything new—brings endless prosperity. After all, akshaya means 'never diminishing'—it's a day believed to bring lasting good fortune and spiritual strength. It's more than a ritual; it's a hopeful start, rooted in faith, where every small act carries lasting promise. And so, though there has been a drastic reduction in buying recently due to the rise in prices, people bought gold to celebrate Akshaya Tritiya.

Turlapati Padmaja, the owner of Padmaja Jewellery Designer, said that people buy gold and silver on Akshaya Tritiya because it is considered an extremely auspicious day in Hindu culture. "Buying precious metals like gold and silver on this day is seen as a way to invite unending wealth and good fortune. It's also a favored time for new beginnings—be it ventures, weddings, or property purchases," she shared.