Akshaya Tritiya 2025 has cemented its place as a pivotal moment in India’s financial and cultural calendar. Traditionally associated with wealth, prosperity, and auspicious beginnings, this year’s Akshaya Tritiya comes with a bold headline—gold prices crossed the ₹1 lakh mark per 10 grams mark, before settling slightly shy of the psychological threshold. Yet, far from slowing down demand, this symbolic milestone has only ignited it further.
According to jewellers, demand has surged by 15% compared to last year, with the South of India leading the charge—accounting for nearly 40% of national sales. That regional dominance underlines how deeply embedded gold remains in India’s social fabric, with the nation being the largest gold consumer in 2024. Despite higher price points, the shine has not been taken off emotional and cultural draw of gold.
A Global Shift: The Strategic Rise of Gold
What’s driving this surge? At the heart of the issue lies global economic uncertainty. The re-emergence of trade tensions, triggered by fresh U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports, has reignited fears around inflation and supply chain disruptions. Geopolitical instability, with ongoing conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, adds another layer of unpredictability.
In such times, gold’s traditional status as a “safe haven” is coming to the forefront. Central banks globally are responding by boosting their reserves—and India is no exception. The Reserve Bank of India now holds 822.1 tonnes of gold, ranking us 9th globally, ahead of countries like the Netherlands. This isn’t just a statistic—it’s a statement of confidence in gold’s enduring value.
Additionally, a weakening rupee has made gold imports costlier, further pushing domestic prices upwards. In this complex environment, gold stands out not just as an investment, but as a hedge.
Returns That Speak Volumes
While ₹1 lakh per 10 grams may seem daunting, a closer look at historical data suggests gold remains a rewarding long-term investment. Consider this:
- In the past 5 years, gold rose from ₹31,500 to ₹78,500 per 10 grams, delivering a CAGR of ~20%.
- Over the last decade, it moved from ₹25,570 (2014) to ₹78,500 (2024), yielding ~12% CAGR.
- Since 2009, gold has appreciated from ₹16,500 to ₹78,500—a CAGR of ~11%.
Gold’s performance during periods of crisis further strengthens its case. During the 2009 financial meltdown, while equity markets crashed, gold appreciated 24%. In 2020, when COVID-19 disrupted global markets, gold surged nearly 30% as the Nifty fell 26%.
Even recent Akshaya Tritiya comparisons show consistency. From ₹58,000 in 2023 to nearly ₹1,00,000 today, gold has delivered a 20–25% annualised return—affirming its strength as a wealth creator.
Balancing the Portfolio: Beyond Gold
Yet, even as gold shines, sharp price volatility demands strategic thinking. For instance, gold dipped 3% in early April on COMEX due to renewed trade tensions, and domestic prices briefly dropped to ₹87,310 per 10 grams.
This highlights the need for a diversified approach. Fixed Deposits, ETFs, and Bonds provide more stable, predictable returns—especially valuable for conservative or first-time investors.
Moreover, for those seeking alternatives to physical gold, Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) remain a smart option. Although new issuances by the RBI have paused, they are still available on secondary markets. They combine the benefits of gold price exposure with added interest income—an intelligent bridge between safety and yield.
An Emotional, Yet Strategic Investment
Gold’s rise to ₹1 lakh is a reflection of global uncertainty, domestic tradition, and evolving investor behaviour. Akshaya Tritiya 2025 shows us that Indians continue to see gold not just as ornamentation, but as a strategic pillar of their financial planning.
While emotions and tradition still guide many purchases, the growing shift to digital platforms, interest in gold-backed financial products, and a balanced allocation mindset signal a maturing investment environment.
Akshaya Tritiya may be rooted in heritage, but in 2025, it is also telling us where the future of smart wealth creation is headed—toward strategic, diversified, and tech-enabled investing.
