What is Akshaya Tritiya? Why It is Celebrated?

The Hindu calendar is crowned with several vibrant festivals, one of which is the Akshaya Tritiya, also known as the “Golden Day.” Akshaya Tritiya is a powerful symbol of endless flourishing and prosperity. It is a radiant tradition in India where buying gold holds special significance.

But why gold, and what exactly Akshaya Tritiya means? Let’s explore it all: what is Akshaya Tritiya, its cultural importance, and whether or not you should invest in gold on this day.

Why is Akshaya Tritiya Celebrated?

Akshay Tritiya is an auspicious day in the Hindu calendar that is celebrated on the third day of Sukla Paksha in the month of Vaishak. The word “Akshay” itself means something eternal or never decaying. The akshaya tritiya celebration is rooted in rich mythology and tradition. Several significant events from Hindu scriptures are believed to have occurred on this day, contributing to its auspiciousness:

1. Lord Krishna and Sudama: It is said that on this day, Lord Krishna bestowed immense wealth upon his poor friend Sudama in exchange for a humble offering of puffed rice (Poha).
2. Start of Treta Yuga: Akshaya Tritiya marks the beginning of the Treta Yuga, the second of the four great epochs in Hindu cosmology.
3. Mahabharata Begins: Sage Vyasa is believed to have started dictating the epic Mahabharata to Lord Ganesha on Akshaya Tritiya.
4. Ganga’s Descent: It is also believed that the holy River Ganga descended to Earth on this day.
5. Annapurna Devi’s Birth: Goddess Annapurna, the deity of food and nourishment, is said to have been born on Akshaya Tritiya.

These legends collectively imbue the day with profound religious and cultural significance, associating it with blessings, prosperity, and new beginnings. The Significance of Akshaya Tritiya lies in these deep-rooted beliefs.

This is why Hindus celebrate this day by purchasing gold with the belief that this will invite long-lasting wealth and success. Mythologies suggest that even Lord Krishna and the Pandavas used to receive this precious metal as a gift on this day for centuries.

Trivia Time: Akshaya Tritiya 2025 will be celebrated on April 30. 

Over the years, Akshaya Tritiya celebrations have meant purchasing gold on this day. It has now become more than just a tradition; rather, it is also a great opportunity to start investments in the glittering metal.

Benefits of Akshaya Tritiya

Akshay Tritiya is regarded as a day when the stars align to offer abundance and prosperity. For centuries, this day has been celebrated by Hindus with deep-rooted cultural significance. Let’s take a look at the benefits of Akshaya Tritiya:

Auspicious Beginnings and Eternal Prosperity 

Akshay means something that is eternal, and therefore, celebrating this day is believed to mark eternal prosperity. Additionally, buying gold is believed to be an auspicious start to new ventures, whether it is for business purposes, marriage or investment.

Spiritual and Cultural Significance 

For centuries, it has been believed that celebrating Akshaya Tritiya is like seeking blessings from the divine for future growth. Buying gold strengthens this century-old tradition and also brings the society together as they exchange gifts.

Trivia Time: According to Hindu mythology, the Pandavas received Akshaya Patra, a divine vessel of endless bounty, on this day. Legend also says that Lord Kuber began his journey of wealth accumulation on this auspicious occasion.

A Smart Investment Opportunity

Historically, gold prices and returns on Akshaya Tritiya have shown promising numbers. In fact, the gold CAGR returns for the last 15-20 years on this day have been around 12 to 13%, thus promising consistency and steadiness. Therefore, celebrating Akshaya Tritiya by purchasing gold is usually regarded as a smart investment opportunity.

What to Buy on Akshaya Tritiya? Gold or Stocks?

With the way gold prices have been making headlines, the idea of buying gold would have crossed a million minds. Are you also wondering if buying gold on Akshaya Tritiya is worth the hype or if you should stick to stock investment? Take a quick look at these factors before you decide:

Gold

• Tradition & Sentiment: Buying gold on Akshaya Tritiya is deeply ingrained in Indian culture. It’s seen as invoking Goddess Lakshmi and ensuring lasting wealth.
• Forms of Gold: You can buy physical gold (jewellery, coins, bars), Digital Gold, Gold Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) listed on exchanges like NSE/BSE, or invest in Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on behalf of the Government of India. SGBs offer interest income and tax benefits on redemption.
• Store of Value: Gold is often seen as a safe haven asset and a hedge against inflation, preserving wealth over the long term.
• Liquidity: Physical gold can be relatively liquid, though selling might involve making charges or deductions. Gold ETFs offer higher liquidity through stock exchanges.

Stocks (Equities)

• Wealth Creation Potential: Investing in the stock market offers the potential for significantly higher returns compared to gold over the long term, driven by economic growth and corporate performance.
• Modern Investment: Starting a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) in mutual funds or buying quality stocks aligns with the ‘new beginnings’ theme of Akshaya Tritiya. Platforms like HDFC Sky provide easy access to equity investing through a Demat account.
• Risks: Equity investments carry market risk. Stock prices can be volatile in the short term, and there’s potential for capital loss. Thorough research or professional advice is important.

The choice between gold and stocks depends on your individual financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Diversification across asset classes is often a good strategy.

Conclusion

Akshaya Tritiya is more than just a festival; it’s a powerful symbol of hope, prosperity, and auspicious beginnings. Whether you choose to honour tradition by buying gold or embrace modern avenues like stock market investing, the day encourages thoughtful financial planning. As akshaya tritiya 2025 nears, consider aligning your purchases and investments with your long-term financial aspirations. May this Akshaya Tritiya bring you enduring success and abundance in all your endeavours.