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By:

Kaustubh Kale

10 September 2024 at 6:07:15 pm

Akshay Tritiya and Gold

As Akshay Tritiya arrives, gold once again takes centre stage in Indian households. For generations, buying gold on this auspicious day has been considered a symbol of prosperity, purity, and good fortune. It is not just a purchase. It is an emotion, a blessing, and a tradition passed from one generation to another. But beyond tradition, gold also carries an important financial lesson. Gold is not just jewellery. It is an asset. Gold During Uncertain Times Over the years, gold has proved its...

Akshay Tritiya and Gold

As Akshay Tritiya arrives, gold once again takes centre stage in Indian households. For generations, buying gold on this auspicious day has been considered a symbol of prosperity, purity, and good fortune. It is not just a purchase. It is an emotion, a blessing, and a tradition passed from one generation to another. But beyond tradition, gold also carries an important financial lesson. Gold is not just jewellery. It is an asset. Gold During Uncertain Times Over the years, gold has proved its worth not only during festivals, but also during uncertain times. Whenever the world faces wars, inflation, currency weakness, economic slowdown, or financial panic, investors across the globe look at gold as a safe haven. This is because gold has a unique quality. It is trusted across countries, cultures, and generations. It does not depend on the promise of one government, one company, or one currency. Why Gold Holds Value Unlike paper currency, gold cannot be printed endlessly. Unlike businesses, it does not depend on profits or management quality. Unlike real estate, it is globally accepted and easily valued. This is why gold continues to remain one of the oldest and most respected stores of value. It has survived centuries of change, economic cycles, wars, and financial crises. The Right Role in Your Portfolio That said, gold should not be treated as a shortcut to wealth creation. Equities and equity mutual funds still remain essential for long-term growth. Gold plays a different role. It brings balance, stability, and protection to your portfolio. When equity markets are volatile or global uncertainty rises, gold often provides comfort. A sensible allocation of around 10-20% to gold can help reduce overall portfolio risk.  So basically, while stocks and equity mutual funds play the lead role in your long-term financial goals, gold plays the supporting but essential role. Physical Gold Has Limitations However, the way you invest in gold matters. Buying physical gold during festivals may feel emotionally satisfying, but it comes with practical challenges. There are making charges, purity concerns, storage issues, risk of theft, and liquidity problems. A necklace may be beautiful, but you cannot easily sell only a small portion of it when you need money. Also, when gold is bought as jewellery, the investor often forgets to calculate the actual return after making charges and deductions. Smarter Ways to Invest This is where Gold Mutual Funds and Gold ETFs become useful. They allow you to invest in gold without worrying about lockers, purity, theft, or storage. You can invest flexible amounts, start SIPs, track value easily, and redeem conveniently when required. For investors who want gold as part of their financial plan, these options are far more practical than buying jewellery purely as an investment. Tradition with Financial Clarity Akshay Tritiya is a beautiful reminder that wealth should be built with faith, patience, and clarity. Buying gold is auspicious, but buying it in the right form is financially wise. This Akshay Tritiya, celebrate tradition - but also upgrade your financial thinking. Because true prosperity is not just about owning gold. It is about owning it smartly. (The writer is a Chartered Accountant and CFA (USA). Financial Advisor. Views personal. He could be reached on 9833133605.)

Karva Chauth: A Celebration of Love, Faith, and Togetherness

Karva Chauth is one of India’s most cherished festivals, especially among married Hindu women. This age-old tradition goes beyond ritual, celebrating marital love, faith, and the bond between husband and wife. Rooted in history and culture, it continues to evolve, reflecting timeless values of trust, prayer, and unity.


Origins and mythological significance

The word 'Karva' means an earthen pot symbolising peace and prosperity, while 'Chauth' refers to the fourth day of the lunar month. The festival falls on the fourth day of the Kartik month (October–November) during the Krishna Paksha, or waning moon. This year, it will be observed on 10 October.


Legends surrounding the festival

There are different stories, yet all highlight faith, selflessness, and the strength of a woman’s resolve.


The Story of Queen Veervati: The most popular tale tells of Queen Veervati, who fasted for her husband’s long life but fainted from hunger and thirst. Her brothers, unable to see her suffer, tricked her into breaking the fast before moonrise. Her husband soon fell ill, and only after she observed the fast again with full devotion did he recover—symbolising the power of a wife’s love and prayer.


Mahabharata Connection: Draupadi is said to have observed Karva Chauth for the well-being of Arjuna, seeking blessings for his safety during times of war and crisis.


The Legend of Karva: Another story speaks of a devoted wife named Karva whose prayer and courage saved her husband from the jaws of death when he was caught by a crocodile, reinforcing the theme of a wife’s protective love.


The Preparations: A Festival of Beauty and Joy

The days leading to Karva Chauth are filled with excitement and heartfelt preparation. Markets brim with colourful bangles, intricate mehendi designs, and vibrant attire. Women shop for elegant sarees or lehengas, jewellery, and the traditional sargi (a pre-dawn meal prepared lovingly by mothers-in-law).


Sargi Ritual: Before sunrise, married women eat a wholesome meal of fruits, sweets, dry fruits, and other energy-rich foods. This is often accompanied by blessings from elders for a happy married life.


Mehendi & Adornments: Applying henna is almost symbolic of the festival. Mehendi patterns are believed to bring prosperity and strengthen the bond of love.


Decorating the Puja Thali: The thali used in the evening rituals is beautifully decorated with lamps, flowers, a sieve (channi), and the earthen karva filled with water.


The Fast and Evening Puja: The highlight of Karva Chauth is the sunrise-to-moonrise fast, where women abstain from food and even water. This is observed with immense dedication and positive energy.


Community Spirit: In the evening, women gather together in festive attire (red colour) for the Karva Chauth Katha (storytelling), singing traditional songs and rotating decorated thalis in a circle to bless each other.


Moonrise Ritual: When the moon appears, women view it through a sieve, then look at their husbands the same way, offering silent prayers for their well-being. Husbands then offer the first sip of water and a morsel of food, breaking the fast with love and gratitude.


Modern-day Karva Chauth

Traditionally observed by women for their husbands, the festival now sees many men fasting alongside their wives in a gesture of equality and shared devotion. It has transcended religions and borders, embraced by those who wish to celebrate love and togetherness. Couples exchange gifts, and families host gatherings, turning it into a collective celebration of affection.


Beyond the rituals

Commitment and Sacrifice: It emphasises the strength of relationships and the willingness to make heartfelt efforts for loved ones.


Faith and Spirituality: The day teaches patience, discipline, and trust in the divine.


Passing Down the Tradition: In an era of rapid change, festivals like Karva Chauth are precious links to our roots. Involving children in the decorations, storytelling, and evening rituals ensures the culture lives on. Sharing the significance of each ritual helps the younger generation appreciate the values of love, gratitude, and family unity.


Karva Chauth is more than a ritual fast; it celebrates devotion, trust, and the timeless bond between two souls. Whether observed traditionally or with a modern touch, it reminds us that love thrives on care, respect, and faith. As the moonlight graces the sky, Karva Chauth stands as a testament to enduring relationships and the cultural ties that unite generations.


This festival reminds us that marriage is not about who sacrifices more, but about how both partners nurture each other with patience, support, and respect. It celebrates mutual love, reciprocal care, and a bond that grows stronger with every sunrise and moonrise—turning a simple union into a lifetime of shared joy. Happy Karva Chauth!


(The writer is a tutor based in Thane. Views personal.)

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