Akshaya Tritiya

the most propitious day of the Hindu Calendar

Hindus believe in the theory of ‘mahurats’ or auspicious timings in every step in life - be it to begin a new venture or making an important purchase. Akshaya Tritiya is one such momentous occasion, which is considered one of the most auspicious days of the Hindu Calendar. Akshaya Tritiya falls on the third day of the bright half of Vaishakh month (April-May), when the sun and moon are simultaneously at their peak of brightness, which happens only once every year.

Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej, is traditionally the birthday of Lord Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. People conduct special pujas on this day, bathe in holy rivers, offer barley in a sacred fire, and worship Lord Ganesha and Devi Lakshmi. The word ‘Akshaya’ means imperishable or eternal - that which never diminishes. Initiations made or valuables bought on this day are considered to bring success or good fortune.

Buying gold is on Akshaya Tritiya is considered propitious, as gold is the ultimate symbol of wealth and prosperity. The day also marks the beginning of the Satya Yuga or the Golden Age, the first of four Yugas. In the Puranas, there is a story that says that on Akshay Tritiya, Veda Vyasa along with Ganesha started writing the great epic Mahabharata. Ganga Devi or Mother Ganges also descended on earth on this day.

According to another legend, during the time of the Mahabharata, when the Pandavas were in exile, Lord Krishna presented them an ‘Akshaya Patra’, a bowl which would never go empty and produce an unlimited supply of food on demand, on this day. Perhaps, the most famous of the Akshaya Tritiya stories is the legend of Lord Krishna and Sudama, his poor Brahmin childhood friend. On this day, as the tale goes, Sudama came over to Krishna's palace to request him for some financial help. As a gift for his friend, Sudama had nothing more than a handful of beaten rice or poha.

So, he was utterly ashamed to give it to Krishna, but Krishna took the pouch of poha from him and relished having it. Krishna followed the principle of 'Atithi Devo Bhava' or 'the guest is like God' and treated Sudama like a king. His poor friend was so overwhelmed by the warmth and hospitality shown by Krishna, that he could not ask for the financial favour and came home empty handed.

When he reached his place, Sudama's old hut was transformed into a palace! He found his family dressed in royal attire and everything around was new and expensive. Sudama knew that it was a boon from Krishna, who blessed him with more than the wealth he actually intended to ask for. Therefore, Akshaya Tritiya is associated with material gains and wealth acquisition. 

Should one really invest in gold this year?

Once again, the festival of Akshaya Tritiya is here and is preceded by the inevitable rush of advertisements for buying gold and gold jewellery. But is Akshaya Tritiya a good time to buy gold? It is and not necessarily for religious reasons. Gold still remains the most popular way in the world to hedge inflation as well as crises. India and Indians have always had a special affinity for gold, even though we've always imported almost all of our gold.

The fall in rupee gold prices from a peak of about Rs 35,000 per 10 grams to around Rs 27,000 now seems to make it an attractive buy. Add to this the fact that while gold prices may fall in US dollar terms, it is hard to lose money in rupee terms when you invest in gold due to the steady devaluation of the rupee against the dollar. Buy gold as a security, as a risk hedge, as a diversification strategy, as instant liquidity and as an investment.

Since maximum gold is bought in India during Dhanteras and Akshaya Tritiya, a good approach is to buy some gold on each festival as part of a systematic investment plan. Buying the first installment this Akshaya Tritiya could be a great way to start something that will never diminish!

Glittering offers

Free gold coin with every jewellery purchase

Tanishq has announced a free gold coin with every jewellery purchase. Additionally, there is a flat 20 per cent discount on every single piece of diamond jewellery worth Rs 2 lakh and above. The offer is available on platinum, open polki, kundan polka and solitaire jewellery at all Tanishq stores. Beautiful designs are available with making charges beginning from as little as 8 per cent. Customers can also shop online and avail all the exciting offers by logging on to http://titan.co.in/shop-online/jewellery.

25% off on diamond & platinum jewellery

ORRA has announced its anniversary sale which is on till May 8. On the occasion, you can get up to 25 per cent off on timeless diamond and platinum jewellery and Rs 2,000 off per 10 grams on gold rate of 22kt BIS hallmarked gold jewellery. You also can get flat a 50 per cent off on making charges of 24kt gold and silver bars and coins.

ORRA’s Anniversary Sale offers gold lovers the Rajmahal collection, an elaborate 22kt gold Bridal neckpiece, which is no less than a piece of art. This gorgeous necklace with matching earrings derives inspiration from perfectly manicured Mughal gardens. The arrangement of coloured stones, diamonds and pearls encased in an intricately designed floral base of gold with meenakari work is fit for royalty. Platinum lovers can indulge in the mesmerizing White Lily collection-this exquisitely crafted platinum necklace with matching earrings is inspired by the white lily flower.