Akshay Tritiya: People throng markets

The markets based in Haridwar were abuzz with activities on Wednesday as the shoppers thronged them to buy items required for the celebration of the auspicious Akshay Tritiya.

In tune with the long- time tradition, the jewellers remained busy throughout the day as the demand for gold ornaments saw a massive spurt on the day.

Akshay Tritiya is considered a propitious day to start new ventures since ‘Akshay’ means imperishable. The people believe that if they buy any valuable item on this day it would retain its glory through eternity.

Hence the rush to buy gold, deemed as  the ultimate symbol of wealth and prosperity.  The banks did not lag behind as they  came out with lucrative offers to the buyers of gold.

According to Tushar Jain, a jeweller from Jwalapur, “The festival sees  heavy footfall of buyers of gold. Days before the day, the people select and order jewellery items.

However, the payment is made on the auspicious day itself, whether it is a small ring or a heavy neck piece. To avoid the mad rush on this particular day, we take  advance orders from the  customers.”

Another  city- based jeweler Nitin said, “The people out on wedding shopping buy ornaments when the  price of gold is low. But on Akshay Tritiya, everyone wishes to buy nothing less than a gold or silver coin.” Lucky Sehgal, a homemaker, said, “I always buy some gold items on this day even if it be a small nose pin. It is very auspicious to buy gold on this day.

Besides, the discount offered on this day is an added incentive. Buying gold on this day is our family tradition. We are carrying it on, hoping for prosperity of our family." Besides, it  being an auspicious day to tie Nuptial knots, many couples choose to begin their new life on this day.

The jewellers said that they must offer vast variety nowadays as  online shopping has been gaining momentum. “It is a big challenge for us to bring customers since online stores offer endless varieties. We keep in stock a wide range of designs to satisfy the customers.  However, we are in a little advantage as compared to the  online sellers as the customers believe that what we provide them with is pure. The online sellers are yet to gain this credibility with a large section of the customers,” said Nitin Kumar, a city- based jeweller.

Another jeweller said that their advantage lies with the fact that the customers love to touch and feel the high-priced ornaments before  they would buy them. “This the online sellers lack,” he added.