Akshaya Tritiya: gold purchases hit in Chennai amid high prices, anxiety over poll seizures

Like every year, commercial hubs in Chennai decked up for Akshaya Tritiya that fell on Sunday (April 19, 2026), with jewellery stores showcasing festive collections and putting out offers to attract buyers. While the stores expected to draw steady footfalls, jewellers said gold sales remained subdued owing to elevated prices as well as the upcoming Assembly election.

This combination of factors has led many buyers to defer or scale down big-ticket purchases during the auspicious occasion. Srilakshmi Mohan of Neelankarai has decided to discontinue a family tradition this year, owing to the steep hike in prices. “I have been buying gold for 25 years since my grandson was born on Akshaya Tritiya day. This year, I decided to discontinue this practice to avoid hassles,” she said.