In India, gold has a great cultural and religious significance. Amongst all the other precious metals, gold holds top position in Indian culture. As per Hindu mythology, gold is considered sacred and a symbol of purity. None of the Indian functions and festivals are complete without this precious metal. Indians love ravishing and beautiful gold jewelleries that adds richness to the festive celebrations and special occasions. Indian brides are adorned with alluring gold jewelleries on their wedding day. Along with an emotional quotient, gold is considered as very auspicious in Indian culture. With Indestructible nature of gold and its shine, gold is believed to have divine qualities. Hindus believe in buying gold, a metal that symbolises wealth, purity and divinity on some of the auspicious days and festive occasions.
Pongal is the festival specifically celebrated by Tamilians. The first day of Tamil calendar is celebrated as Pongal. It is the way of thanking the spirits of nature, the sun and the animals that make the harvesting successful. Same way ‘Lohri’ is also celebrated on the same day. Other part of the nation celebrates this day as ‘Makara Sankranti’ the festival of worshiping Lord Surya. Basically, the first day of sun’s transit into the Makara is celebrated as Makara Sankranti. Though different parts of India celebrates this festival with different names, but the significance remains the same. It’s the celebration of the beginning of the new era.
Buying gold on Makara Sankranti/Pongal/Lohri : As the gold is precious and auspicious metal that symbolises prosperity, the new beginnings are made with the purchase of gold that is believed to bring in happiness, success and wealth for the remainder of the year.
First day of the Hindu lunar calendar is celebrated as Ugadi or Gudi padwa. ‘Ugadi’ or ‘Yugadi’ is a Sanskrit word, wherein ‘Yuga’ means age and ‘adi’ means beginning – beginning of the new age. This festival is celebrated majorly in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Maharashtra.
Buying gold on Gudi Padwa/Ugadi : Being an important part of the Indian r heritage, gold has a great connection with festivals like Ugadi and Gudi padwa. As the new age is beginning, people believe to make a new start with gold purchase as it signifies purity and prosperity. Gold ornaments like earring and rings are bought for gifting on this occasion.
Vaisakhi is the Sikh New Year. This festival and celebrations are majorly observed in Punjab regions of India. The day marks major events in the history of Sikhism. It is also the harvest festival for Hindus. Basically, Vaisakhi is a joyous festival that is celebrated with music and dance.
Buying gold on Vaisakhi/Baisakhi: As gold has the historical significance in our culture, buying gold on key festivals is considered auspicious. Hindu goddess Lakshmi is referred to as goddess of gold and money. Hence, on special occasions and festivals, gold is bought.
It is the festival that is celebrated in Hindus to worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu. ‘Akshaya’ in Sanskrit means ‘never diminishing or eternal’. Third lunar day of Vaisakha month in Hindu calendar is celebrated as Akshaya Tritiya. In Jainism, the day is observed as the first Tirthankara’s ending his one-year asceticism. The festival is known as ‘Varshi Tapa’.
Buying gold on Akshaya Tritiya: As the name signifies, anything that is started on this day is believed to be imperishable and eternal. Hence, gold which never diminishes in value and a precious metal with eternal value is considered auspicious to buy on this occasion.
It is a religious and cultural festival celebrated in the state of Kerala. It is celebrated to commemorate King Mahabali, it’s believed that his spirit would visit the state during Onam.
Buying gold on Onam: Any celebrations and festivals in India are incomplete without gold ornaments. Onam being the celebration time of the year, gold jewelleries are bought during this season.
Navaratri and Dusshera is a major Hindu festival that is celebrated for ten long days. Each day of this festival has various significance. Basically, the festival celebrates the victory of good over evil. The Navaratri Days are dedicated to goddess Durga and her nine incarnations. Throughout India, the festival is celebrated differently. Last day ‘Vijayadashami’ or ‘Dusshera’ is the day of remembering goddess Durga’s victory over the demon ‘Mahishasura’.
Buying gold on Navaratri and Dusshera: Gold is bought on this festive occasion as ‘Shagun’. Buying of new item and precious metals are considered auspicious during this time. As we celebrate the victory of the goddess, buying gold implies purity.
In Hindus, fourth day after the Kartika Purnima is celebrated as ‘Karwa Chauth’. Married women fast on this day praying for long life of their husband.
Buying gold on Karwachauth: Gold is considered as an auspicious gift that can be given to one’s wife on Karwa Chauth. It can also offer her financial security.
Diwali is five days long major festival celebrated in every part of India. The festival celebrates victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance. Every place is brightly illuminated to celebrate this festival of lights. First day of Diwali is called Dhanteras/ Dhantrayodashi that is considered very auspicious for buying gold. During Diwali goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and wealth is also worshiped.
Buying gold on Dhanteras/Diwali: This festive occasion is never complete without buying gold jewellery and gold. Choti Diwali/Dhanteras which falls one day before Lakshmi Puja involves major gold buying. Lord Kubera, treasurer of wealth is also worshiped during Diwali. Hence, a precious metal that symbolises prosperity is purchased during this occasion.
Pushyami is considered to be the best days to buy wealthy assets like gold. The day on which pushya star occurs is considered as good for starting up any new ventures and investments in Hindus.
Buying gold on Pushyami :As Pushyami is considered as golden opportunity to achieve success, investments are made on these dates. As gold is never-diminishing investment, it’s auspicious to buy gold on Pushyami.
What is the significance of buying gold on Dhanteras?
It’s an age-old tradition followed in Indian Hindus to buy gold on Dhanteras that is the first day of Diwali. ‘Dhan’ refers to wealth. The day is considered to be extremely auspicious for new purchases. New gold purchases on this day is considered to bring in the good luck and prosperity to the home. Gold the metal that epitomises the goddess Lakshmi is bought on this day to secure the auspiciousness.
What is the importance of gold in Indian Culture?
From the ancient civilisation, gold has a greatest significance in Indian culture irrespective of religion. Gold is the metal that is associated with divine sphere. Be it Hinduism, Jainism, Christianity, Islam or Buddhism, gold holds a significant place from ages. Gold gifts and gold ornaments bought for family are always considered as the symbol of purity, wealth and power. In every Indian culture, gold is referred to as the most valuable substance and the greatest form of wealth.
What are some important tips for gold buying on auspicious days and occasions?
When you are buying a precious asset like gold that never diminishes in value, you need to be cautious of various things while making a purchase.
