This Akshaya Tritiya, gold may lose its glitter

You may miss out on plans to buy gold on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya on Monday if the traders’ strike against local body tax (LBT) continues.Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej, is considered one of the “three-and-half” auspicious days of the year by Hindus. Even the Jains consider it an auspicious day.Akshaya Tritiya is also considered the festival of eternal or never-ending prosperity. In Sanskrit, the word ‘Akshaya’ means eternal or unending. Since the yellow metal is considered a symbol of wealth and prosperity, buying of gold on Akshaya Tritiya is considered a good omen by many.This year, the Akshaya Tritiya falls on May 13, which is just four days ahead. However, since the jewellers’ association has joined the strike, all jewellery shops are closed.Last month, the traders’ strike began a few days before Gudhi Padwa, again considered one of the most auspicious days of the year. However, the strike was called off a couple of days before that.This time, the traders’ association says they are not in a mood to call off the strike till their demands are met with. Federation of Traders’ Associations of Pune convernor Fatehchand Ranka told dna, “The saraf bazaar (jewellers) will remain closed on Akshaya Tritiya if the strike against LBT continues till Monday.”