Passion Parade: A day of gold

Text and pix by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

Beautiful gold jewellery splurging for the festival

Akshaya Tritiya or the Festival of Gold is celebrated by the lovers of gold.

The word Akshaya means ‘never diminishing’ in Sanskrit. The day is believed to bring good luck, eternal prosperity and success. Investing in gold is a popular practice, particularly on this auspicious day, as gold is viewed as the ultimate symbol of wealth and prosperity. Gold and gold jewellery bought and worn on this special day, it is believed, signify never- diminishing good fortune.

"Akshaya Tritiya", a day to reap gold

There are a few legends associated with the celebration of the Festival of Gold. One legend has it that, Akshaya Tritiya is the traditional birthday of Lord Parasuraaman, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Traditional welcome for the festival

“The hand that gives is the hand that gathers,” is a saying, with timeless value. One of the important secrets of the universe for manifesting material success upon the people is encourage giving, with a pure heart. This act, according to the Vedas, brings back riches manifold. On Akshaya Tritiya, the returns are not just manifold, they are believed to be infinite. Gold stands for goodness, purity, wealth and social standing in some cultures, in addition to the applied aura of sanctity and divinity.

Lovers of gold

Gold purchase being made by a customer on the auspicious day

The auspicious day falls on Rohini star, during the Tamil month of Chiththirai on 12 May. Akshaya Tritiya is considered auspicious and especially sacred.

"Akshaya Tritiya" is a favourable day to purchase gold

Glittering Festival of Gold

To celebrate the day, jewellery shops are traditionally decorated, with fresh garlands made of newly- plucked flowers and bunches of banana, tied beautifully together, adorn the main entrance.