Pune Celebrates Akshaya Tritiya With Gold, Mango and Cooling Upgrades

With gold rates hovering around Rs 1.53 lakh, plus GST, on April 19, Akshay Tritiya's traditional anchor remained intact, but buying patterns told a more layered story of adaptation, aspiration and pragmatism."Akshay Tritiya sales have been phenomenal. Rates are stabilised, and we have discount offers. Pure gold and gold coins are picking up quickly," said Vastupal Ranka, Director of Ranka Jewellers and Rare Jewels. "Last Akshay Tritiya, gold was around Rs 95,000, it has seen a 60% increase in one year. Buying gold is always advantageous. Demand for lightweight jewellery is also quite good," he said.Despite the price surge, jewellers remain optimistic. Saurabh Gadgil, Chairman and Managing Director, PNG Jewellers, said, "We are expecting a healthy traction with a target of 25% to 30% growth in sales over last year, especially in Central Indian markets that have been performing well, such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. We have also rolled out special festive campaigns across key markets, including Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, with customer-centric benefits on old gold exchange and making charges, with applicable terms and conditions."That shift towards lighter pieces and smaller investments is visible on the ground. "Before 2020, my parents would always buy gold coins on the festival. Now, every year the quantity is reducing because prices just keep climbing. This year, instead of buying outright, we have invested in a gold scheme because it is more affordable," said Umesh Gaikwad, a resident of Dhankawadi. Such schemes, offered by jewellers, allow customers to invest monthly over six to eleven months, softening the blow of high upfront costs.For some, however, gold took on a more symbolic form this year. Pune-based musician Shitalchandra Kulkarni marked the day not with a purchase, but with recognition. "On the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, I received the double gold LIT Music Award 2026, recognised as Best Multi-Instrumentalist for my track Search and for Best Instrumental Concept for my second track Shitaletto," he said. "Winning gold on this festival was a coincidence, but it feels especially meaningful. After four decades as a musician, the recognition is deeply fulfilling. My family is overjoyed, and it has truly turned into a celebration at home."eyond such moments of celebration, the festival is also shaping more utilitarian purchases, with electronics stores reporting a surge in demand for inverter air conditioners, desert coolers, compact air coolers and double door refrigerators. "Summers in Pune are getting harsher every year. Earlier, a fan would do. Now it feels unbearable by afternoon. We decided to invest in an inverter AC this Akshaya Tritiya," said Sayali Kulkarni, a resident of Undri.Alphonso mangoes, priced between Rs 800 and Rs 1,500 per dozen, were flying off the shelves at shops and stalls across the city. "Mangoes are a must in our home on this festival. They represent abundance and sweetness. No matter how expensive they get, we always buy at least one box," said Vaishali Kasbe, a resident of Wanowrie.Whether in grams of gold, months of savings, the hum of a new air conditioner or the scent of ripe Alphonsos, prosperity is being measured differently now.Get real-time updates and result insights on the CBSE 12 Result 2026.