The Inspiration for buying gold on the day of Akshaya Tritya

India, a land of many cultures and festivals, always has something unique to offer when it comes to festivals. Amongst many of these distinct celebrations, lies the auspicious festival of Akshay Tritya. Falling on 21st April, this year, Akshaya Tritya happens to be a day of celebration for the Hindus. Arriving on the 3rd Tithi (lunar day) of the Bright Half (Shukla Paksha) of the Indian month of Vaishakha, many Hindus consider this day to be one of the luckiest and brightest days of the entire year, thus calling for a celebration of magnanimous stature.

The day is made more special by offering prayers to the Gods in the form of ‘pujas’ all over the country. These pujas have been created from centuries old Vedic texts and derive the knowledge of rituals performed over 2000 years. Conventionally performed by a Hindu priest, or ‘Pandit’, these pujas are one’s way of showcasing devotion to numerous Gods.

Along with prayers that are made to Cows, elephants, and even horses, Akshaya Tritya ushers in an atmosphere of celebration all around the country. India, being rich in cultural and ethnic diversity, has people adding their own flavors to this festival. In Sanskrit, the word Akshaya translates into ‘eternal’ or something that has no end. Therefore, people in the hope of good fortune, happiness, and wealth, celebrate this festival with wonderful enthusiasm all over the country.

Another historical perspective that attaches itself to Akshaya Tritya is that of Mahabharata. Admired Hindu Epic, Mahabharata, was about the quarrel between the two cousins, Pandavas and Kaurvas. It is believed that on the day of Akshaya Tritya, Pandavas unearthed a significant weapon from the Earth, which proved instrumental in the defeat of the Kaurvas. Also, when Pandavas were in exile during Mahabharata, Lord Krishna blessed Draupadi with a bowl called Akshaya Pathram. Facing immense hardships due to the lack of resources at that point, Draupadi was given a bowl in which food never finished, thus making the food in it eternal, and helping her through her crisis.

The atmosphere in the markets of the country on the occasion of Akshaya Tritya is electrifying. One can witness a rush of women eager to buy expensive gold items. The shopkeepers open up their shops till late in the night, even in the less known parts of India, defying the logic of safety. This is because they believe that the Gods are going to be kind and nothing evil shall interfere with their business.

The colors of celebration on the day of Akshaya Tritya vary from household to household. While many stick to the old practice of buying gold, people now days are turning more innovative with not just jewelry, but also buying gold idols of their respected Gods. The gold bought on this day is believed would rise in value, bring joy and prosperity to each household, and most importantly ward off all the evil luck. Stores all over the country have special schemes to tempt customers to buy gold.

Thus, we learn for reasons, both close to the mythology and the sentiments of the Indian population, gold buying is recommended for the day of Akshaya Tritya.