Dussehra is celebrated as a triumph of good over evil, commemorating Lord Rama’s victory over King Ravana and Goddess Durga’s defeat of Mahishasur after a fierce nine-day battle. The tenth day marks her victory, which is why we refer to it as Vijayadashami.
These well-known tales of good conquering evil are familiar to us all, right?
However, there’s another story that often goes untold.
This is the tale of Kautsa, the young son of Brahmin Devdatt and his Guru.
Understanding this lesser-known narrative sheds light on why buying gold on Dussehra is considered auspicious.
The Untold Story of Buying Gold on Dussehra
Kautsa was a devoted young Brahmin, the son of Devdatt, who had learned the 14 sciences from his Guru, Varantu. Upon completing his education, Kautsa wished to present a Guru Dakshina to Varantu, but the Guru declined any form of payment.
Determined to offer a meaningful gift, Kautsa insisted, prompting Guru Varantu to request an enormous sum: 140 million gold coins in exchange for the knowledge imparted.
Worried about how to gather such a vast amount, Kautsa sought the help of King Raghu, a benevolent ruler known for his generosity towards Brahmins. He approached the king with his request for gold coins.
Unfortunately, King Raghu had just completed a grand Yaga, during which he had distributed all his wealth to those in need. Nevertheless, he was eager to assist Kautsa.
After some thought, King Raghu turned to God Indra for help. Indra then approached Kubera, the God of Wealth, asking him to shower King Raghu’s kingdom with gold coins, equivalent to the number of leaves on all the Aapti trees.
In a miraculous event, Kubera rained down gold coins on the kingdom, each coin representing a leaf of the Aapti tree. Kautsa joyfully collected the coins and presented them to his Guru, Varantu.
This extraordinary downpour of gold coins occurred on Dussehra, which is why this day is regarded as particularly auspicious for purchasing gold.
From that moment, the tradition of exchanging Aapti leaves during Dussehra began, symbolizing blessings of wealth and prosperity.
Interestingly, recent reports indicate that gold sales surged by 30% during Dussehra in the past couple of years. This reflects a growing belief in the day’s auspiciousness and the enjoyment of the tradition of buying and gifting gold.
As October to January marks the wedding season, many people have pre-ordered gold, expecting deliveries on Dussehra due to its auspicious nature.
In addition to lightweight jewelry, gold coins and bars are in high demand as individuals seize the opportunity to invest in gold for upcoming occasions.
The data shows a consistent increase in gold prices over the years. Last year, the price of 24-carat gold for 10 grams was ₹60,646, while this year it has risen to ₹77,070.
This means that those who purchased gold last Dussehra are now seeing a profit.
Note: While gold prices can fluctuate in the short term, the metal has generally retained its value over time, as illustrated in the data.
Advantages of Buying Gold on Dussehra
As previously mentioned, Dussehra is considered an auspicious day, and the tradition of buying gold during this time is believed to bring prosperity and blessings.
Let’s delve into the financial benefits of purchasing gold during this festive occasion.
Hedge Against Inflation
Gold serves as a safeguard against inflation. When prices rise, gold typically maintains its value, ensuring that your investment remains stable even as the cost of living increases. Investing in gold this Dussehra can help protect your wealth from depreciation.
Safe Haven Asset
Gold is often viewed as a secure asset. During times of economic uncertainty, people tend to invest in gold because it usually retains its value, even when other investments decline.
Investment Opportunity
Purchasing gold during Dussehra presents a smart investment opportunity. The price of gold tends to appreciate over time, allowing you to potentially sell it later for a profit. Many view gold as a long-term wealth-building asset.
Liquid Asset
Gold is a liquid asset, meaning it can be easily converted into cash. If you find yourself in need of quick funds, selling your gold is a straightforward process, making it a valuable resource for emergencies or unexpected expenses.
Diversification of Portfolio
Including gold in your investment portfolio helps mitigate risk. Diversifying your assets can protect you from losses in other areas; if stocks or bonds perform poorly, gold can help stabilize your overall investments.
As you celebrate Dussehra, consider the financial
