Every year as the Hindu festival, Akshaya Tritiya, comes around, something magical happens; families gather, people donate to charity and gold shops sparkle a little brighter.
What is Akshaya Tritiya?
Akshaya Tritiya (Ak-sha-ya Tri-ti-ya) also known as Akti or Akha Teej, is one of the most sacred days in the Hindu (and Jain) calendar. In Sanskrit “Akshaya” means “never diminishing”, which is why it’s all about things that are meant to last; prosperity, ventures, marriages, charity and investments. Tritiya meanwhile, means “third phase of the moon” since it falls on the third lunar day of the spring month of Vaisakha in the Hindu calendar, which is generally April or May, in the Gregorian calendar.
In 2025 Akshaya Tritiya falls on Wednesday 30th April.
Why do people buy gold for this festival?
In Indian culture, gold is often gifted at weddings but on Akshaya Tritiya, it also has a special moment. It symbolises purity, wealth and positive energy, and it’s believed that buying gold on this day brings blessings which don’t fade away.
Hindus believe that any good deed or investment made on this day will continue to grow and bring lasting benefits. It’s considered an ideal time to start something meaningful – whether that’s launching a new business, putting money aside for the future, donating food or helping a child with their education. Acts of generosity and intention are especially encouraged, making Akshaya Tritiya a day that’s as much about giving as it is about receiving.
And yes, buying gold is one of the most popular ways to mark the day.
What kind of gold can you buy?
You may have recently read that gold has been having a bit of a moment. In fact, gold prices jumped by 22.27% in the six months leading up to the end of March 2025 (in sterling terms).
Now, this isn’t investment advice but if you’re thinking about putting your money into something that could last, Akshaya Tritiya might just be the perfect moment to do it. As always, have a quick chat with a financial adviser if you’re unsure, especially if you’re new to gold investing.
And if you do decide to take the plunge, the good news is there’s a whole glittering menu to choose from: coins, jewellery, digital gold, even bonds that pay you back with interest.
Gold coins and bars
If you’re after something simple and investment-friendly, gold coins and bars are a good choice as they strike the balance between sentiment and strategy.
In fact, The Royal Mint now releases Indian-inspired gold coins around Akshaya Tritiya especially for the occasion, blending British craftsmanship with cultural significance.
Why go for bars and coins?
- They’re easy to buy, store and pass down
- Usually come in 24 carat
- Recognised globally, so they’re easy to resell if needed
- Many feature symbolic designs like Lakshmi or Ganesh for that extra dose of good fortune
Jewellery
It’s also a go-to gift for weddings, birthdays, and yes – Akshaya Tritiya. Jewellery is the all-time favourite for a reason; sentimental, stunning and practical. Necklaces, bangles, rings, earrings; go full on traditional or mix things up with a modern touch.
Just make sure to check for certification. Look for BIS hallmarking if you’re buying in India, or trusted UK standards if you’re shopping locally. And don’t be shy about asking your jeweller the hard questions such as purity, weight, making charges because it all adds up.
Digital gold
With digital gold, you can buy tiny amounts online (even a gram or less), and it’s stored safely in a vault – not your top drawer. It’s a flexible way to join in the Akshaya Tritiya tradition, especially if you’re more fintech than family jeweller.
It’s great if:
- You want to invest gradually, bit by bit
- You don’t fancy the hassle of physical storage
- You’re after a modern twist on an old-school ritual
Plenty of platforms let you buy, track, and even gift digital gold right from your phone.
Gold ETFs and sovereign gold bonds
This one’s for the investor types. This is just gold in digital or paper form, tucked neatly into your portfolio. You won’t get anything sparkly to wear, but you might get some decent returns (and zero polishing required).
If you’re in the UK, there aren’t gold bonds backed by the government like India’s SGBs but you can still get exposure through Gold Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) or gold-backed investment products. These track the price of gold and let you invest without ever touching the metal itself.
This is a good option if:
- You’re more stocks and shares than bangles and bars
- You want to diversify your portfolio
- You want to a traditional investment for Akshaya Tritiya but with a modern, money-minded twist
Gold buying tips for Akshaya Tritiya
- Go to someone trusted: especially if buying jewellery or coins
- Check for certification: look for BIS (India) or LBMA (UK) marks
- Compare prices and charges: don’t get stung by high making charges
- Ask for a receipt: for insurance or resale purposes
- Look out for seasonal offers: discounts and freebies often pop up around the festival
Whether you’re investing for yourself or picking out something special for someone, gold on Akshaya Tritiya is the start of something new. A fresh chapter. A little sparkle to mark the beginning of lasting prosperity.
With 30 years of experience, we’re here to help you find gold that’s not only beautiful, but backed by tradition and built to last. Ready to begin? Get in touch, and let’s find something that truly shines.
