Akshaya Tritiya, which is considered as the most auspicious day to make investments, especially buying gold, will be celebrated on April 18 this year. The day is celebrated by Hindus and Jains across the country. Also called ‘Akha Teej’, it falls on the third lunar day of Shukla Paksha of Baisakh month as per the Hindu lunar calendar. In Sanskrit, ‘Akshaya’ means immortal and Tritiya means ‘third’.
As per reports, since the wedding is on, the gold sales will jump this Akshaya Tritiya. Even as investing in gold is not as lucrative as it used to be, jewellers are expecting 15-20 per cent increase in sales this Akshaya Tritiya. Jewellers are offering rebates and incentives on gold ornaments.
“Things are looking positive this year and the prices are also stable, ruling at around Rs 30,820 per 10 grams. There is also a lot of traction for wedding jewellery due to ongoing marriage season.
“Overall there is a positive sentiment in the market, so we are hoping 15-20 per cent growth in sales this Akshaya Tritiya, compared to last year,” All India Gem And Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) Chairman Nitin Khandelwal told PTI here.
He said the demand for yellow gold, especially trendy items and wedding jewellery will be more than diamond jewellery.
“We are also witnessing a slowdown in demand for the high-end niche jewellery,” he added.
Mythological tales associated with the day
Several mythological tales, folklores and legends are associated with Akshaya Tritiya.
The most popular legend associated with Akshaya Tritiya is that of the Akshaya Patra — the miracle pot gifted to Draupadi by Sun God that ensured Pandavas had a never-ending supply of food.
It is believed that Lord Parshuram, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu, was born on this day.
Some also believe that Ved Vyas began reciting Mahabharata to Lord Ganesha on this day.
According to another legend, river Ganges descended on earth from heaven on this day.
For Jain community, the day signifies the first Tirthankara’s (Rishabhanatha) ending his one-year fast by consuming sugarcane juice.
(With inputs from agencies)