Bhubaneswar, April 21: People from all walks of life - from farmers to businessmen, shoppers to devotees - today celebrated Akshaya Tritiya with traditional fervour with the auspicious day had something in store for all.
Markets and jewellery shops in the major cities witnessed a huge rush. From rebate in the making charges to lucky draws and exchange and buyback offers, jewellery shops had attractive offers in store to catch the fancy of customers.
Sellers are of the view that the dip in the price of gold has increased sales. Last year on Akshaya Tritiya, gold traded at Rs 30,390 per 10 grams, while the price hovered around Rs 26,380 this year.
Director of Khimji Jewellers and regional chairman (east) of the All India Gems and Jewellery Trade Federation Mitesh Khimji said: "This year, our sale has increased by 25 to 30 per cent as the gold rate has come down by around 20 per cent in comparison to last year. We have been witnessing heavy rush since the past few days."
Merchants are of the view that the sale of gold chains, finger rings and gold coins of various denominations are also quite popular among the buyers. "Apart from buying gold items, customers are also opting for silver idols of gods and goddesses and diamond pendants," says Ajay Kumar Pal, manager at a leading jewellery brand showroom located at Jaydev Vihar.
While many invested their money in booking cars and buying property, others zeroed it on this lucky day to start business ventures.
Observed on the third day of the fortnight of the Baisakh month, Akshaya Tritiya is believed to be auspicious in many ways because of its mythological significance.
According to traditions, after a series of rituals and special ceremonies known as ratha anukula, the chariot making process for the three chariots for rath yatra began today. People gathered in large numbers in Puri to witness the ceremony.
"The ritual invokes a sense of devotion. This year, it is all the more special as this is the year of Nabakalebar," said 45-year-old devotee Purushottam Nayak.
In another development, the daru of Lord Sudarshan left for Puri this evening from Gadakuntunia in a specially made sagadi or cart. The holy cart has been specified in accordance with the holy scriptures out of timber of banyan and tamarind trees cut into a particular dimension.
On the other hand, Lord Jagannath's 21-day summer festival, chandan yatra, also began in Puri today. Similar festivities took place at Lingaraj Temple and Iskcon temple in Bhubaneswar.
The occasion is significant for the farmers also as they started the new season by ploughing their field. Farmers performed pujas to seek divine intervention for a favourable weather.
