Across Indian households, gold is a keeper of memories. From a grandmother’s treasured bangles to a bride’s dazzling wedding jewellery, these ornaments often carry stories of generations and celebrations. Passed down through families, gold jewellery is also associated with stridhan - a woman’s personal wealth. Whether tucked away or brought out for a celebration, every piece has a story to tell.

Why gold for the gods? In Hinduism, gold embodies Goddess Lakshmi, goddess of wealth; bringing it home symbolically invites divinity. In Buddhism, gilding statues can be an expression of devotion and generosity, while the ‘Satapatha Brahmana’ associates gold with immortality and fire. But this metal’s magic extends far beyond the sacred. Gold is remarkably malleable; a troy ounce can be beaten into a sheet covering several square metres, while a gold leaf can be thinner than human hair. Its resistance to tarnishing, electrical conductivity, and ability to reflect infrared radiation make it valuable in modern technology. From electronic components to protective coatings on spacecraft, gold has some truly out-of-this-world applications!

The one day when gold truly gets its moment is Dhanteras! Marking the beginning of Diwali festivities, the occasion honours Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari. It is connected with the emergence of Amrit Kalash, the vessel containing the divine nectar of immortality, during Samudra Manthan. Another popular lore tells of a young bride who outwitted Yama, the god of death, by piling gold and silver ornaments outside her husband’s chamber and illuminating the entrance with countless lamps. Dazzled by the brilliant display, Yama was unable to enter and eventually departed. Whether through this tale or the age-old association between gold and prosperity, the metal has become an enduring part of Dhanteras.