Filipino expatriates were among customers who flocked jewelry shops in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to buy a piece of gold jewelry on Akshaya Tritiya, seeking luck in terms of fortune.
According to a Khaleej Times report, the gold jewelry-shopping was “on the belief that buying gold on the auspicious day will bring more luck and prosperity to their families.”
“We have 60% to 70% more sales than normal days. We expect more crowds in the evening, as it is the most auspicious time to buy gold on Akshaya Tritiya,” Rinesh Raphel, assistant manager at Joy Alukkas outlet, was quoted as saying.
Even others who do not believe the myth are buying gold jewelry for their friends, the report said.
“It is not just Hindu customers who are buying today. Since there is an offer, many communities including Filipinos are buying gold, utilising the offers,” Faisal A.K., director at Malabar Gold and Diamonds, was quoted as saying.
“Three Indians and one Filipino have become richer by half kilograms of gold each as part of our promotions,” added the Malabar director.
The report said those buying on account of aspirations towards good fortune were mostly Indians.
“We believe that buying gold today will bring more luck and fortune, a tradition that we are following for 10 years. Even though we are Indians, we came to know about the importance of this day only after coming to Dubai. Today is also my daughter’s birthday and I have spent Dh35,000 and we expect more fortunes. Our wealth has not gone down after coming to Dubai,” explained Mahesh Suravarapur, an Indian engineer, to the Khaleej Times.
Many customers also bought the items using their credit cards, Khasim Bacer, branch manager at Malabar Gold, explained.
Filipina Jaffry Salangsang was said to have bought 18 kt gold from Malabar Gold.
But Indian customers still comprise majority of the buyers.
“We believe that buying gold today will bring more luck and fortune, a tradition that we are following for 10 years. Even though we are Indians, we came to know about the importance of this day only after coming to Dubai. Today is also my daughter’s birthday and I have spent Dh35,000 and we expect more fortunes. Our wealth has not gone down after coming to Dubai,” explained Mahesh Suravarapur, an Indian engineer, to the Khaleej Times.
