Heart of gold: Sutha (right) putting a gold chain on her mother Uthemy, on Akshaya Tritiya day. — KT GOH/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Mothers Day came early for retiree S. Uthemy, who was beaming with happiness, feeling immensely grateful and loved when she got a gold chain as a present.
But it was also another auspicious occasion.
She got her golden gift on Akshaya Tritiya, which Hindus observe as a day that symbolises boundless fortune and new beginnings.
It is also a very good day to invest in gold or houses.
It is also believed to be an opportune time to start new ventures such as a business, embarking on a new job or moving to a new residence.
The elated Uthemy, 67, had thought it was just another regular outing with her daughter A. Sutha, 43, to Little India here.
“My mum was completely unaware of the surprise that awaited her at the shop in Market Street. I had told her that I was buying myself a gold chain since it was Akshaya Tritiya,” Sutha said.
She said she had set her heart on getting her mother a gold item even though the price of gold was at RM341 per gramme yesterday, up from RM331 per gramme last week.
“I would have loved to get my mother another gold item but since it was pricier, I decided to just get her this chain,” she said.
Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej, was observed yesterday and is part of the spring festival in India and an auspicious day in Hindu scriptures.
On this day, Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesha and Goddess Mahalakshmi are worshipped.
The word Akshaya signifies “infinite” or “eternal”, symbolising boundless fortune and prosperity associated with the day.
VKN Jewellers & MD Sdn Bhd owner Datuk S. Yuvabalan said the tradition had been practised by Hindus in the country for decades.
“People believe buying gold on this day will bring them prosperity. It does not matter even if they buy a small mookuthi (nose stud), as long as it is gold,” he said, adding that some bought silver and precious gemstones too.
Yuvabalan also said the higher gold price yesterday did not affect their business.
“Many who used to buy 10g previously are now buying below 10g. Customers just see this as an investment which will multiply in the future,” he said.
He said customers were also given special gifts, adding that there were also offers and discounts at his shop until tomorrow.
Housewife P. Loges, 64, who has been buying gold jewellery on Akshaya Tritiya for the past 15 years, bought three pairs of earrings, including a pair of the classical “thiruvilayadal” earrings, which are rarely available.
“I told my daughters-in-law about this tradition and to come buy some gold jewellery although it is a working day,” she said.
SMS Deen Jewellers manager Mubarak Ali Mustafa said they gifted gold coins to customers who bought at least RM3,000 worth of jewellery.
He said his shop was also offering discounts.
