Be thoda hatke in what you invest
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A part from decorating your
house with diyas and kandeels, perform ing Laxmi puja and seeking
the blessings of the elders in the house, another ritual that's related
to Dhanteras is investment. Since the day marks the onset of Diwali
celebrations, every household buys one form of dhan or other as it
considered auspicious to attract prosperity.While most people either buy
gold jewels or coins, there are other useful `dhan' that one can invest
in. Here's a list of alternative forms of the traditional gold that you
can invest in:
EARTHY METAL
Silver, platinum, palladium and earth metals are in demand like never before.While platinum was once considered unaffordable, it's slowly become a trendy metal that can be moulded into any form of j e w e l l e r y.Raam, a jewellery retailer, says, “The price of silver has dropped drasti cally this year. So, a lot of people have expressed interest in buying silver articles.Moreover, almost all the puja samagri, including diyas and idols of deities are made of silver. So, more than anklets and earrings, many have placed orders for heavy lamps, customised idols of God and plates and vessels used to perform rituals.“
The price of platinum is also comparatively low, and since the metal has been in vogue for quite a few years now, it's an interesting option to invest in. Raam adds, “These metals also have good buy back guarantee.“
KITCHEN POWER
While kitchen utensils are not exactly a great option in terms of investments, people in all households follow the tradition of buying at least one vessel on Dhanteras.Says Mrinalini Mehta, a homemaker, “Ideally on this day, you have to buy something useful. It could be gold or silver, or some household stuff. It could be something as small as few dinner plates. The idea is to get something new home. But come to think of it, if you buy utensils, you can cook using them and have good food.Isn't that an investment as well?“
OLD IS GOLD
Want to invest in something that not only makes good for your money, but also increases the aesthetics of your houses and raises your status in the society?
Antiques are your answer. Nimrita Bhanu, a marketing head with a travel company, says, “Antiques bring along with them a certain class. They add a refined look to your house and can impress your guests as well. Last Dhanteras, I acquired a classy gramophone and an antique cupboard for my home, and furniture set for my work place. If you are really into aesthetics, antiques are a great buy.“
BE A COLLECTOR
In the past few years, art has become an investment option for many in the coun try . But before you buy art pieces, you must be aware of the basics --which artist sells like hot cake? What kind of pieces are in the top rung options for investors? What is the re-sale value of the piece you've acquired? Unless you are at the top of the game, you mustn't risk it.
Another option for numismatists is, obvi ously, stamps. If your stamp collection is a matter of pride for you, then go ahead and invest in some exclusive and rare stamps. Watches, wine, and knives are some of the other interesting collectibles you can consider this Dhanteras.
MUTUAL FUNDS AND STOCKS
For youngsters who draw a handsome salary, investing in stocks and mutual funds is a good option. R Jayachandran, a stock broker, says, “You can risk your money only till you hit 40. After that, you will have to be careful where you put your savings. This is why mutual funds, stocks and bonds are excellent options for them to invest. You can double your money soon in these. However, a sound knowledge of the market is important. You can also put your money in unit trusts and fixed deposits.“
WHAT'S THE STORY BEHIND DHANTERAS?
One of the interesting aspects of Indian festivals is that there are many reasons behind its inception and celebrations. The fascinating myths behind these festivals lend a mystique to India's culture. And Dhanteras is one of them.
The beginning of the five-day Diwali celebration, there are many legends behind the Dhanteras celebration. One such tale is about a newly-wed prince who was destined to die on the fourth day of his marriage. According to his horoscope, he was doomed to die because of a snake-bite while asleep. His wife, however, didn't lose hope. She got out all her ornaments made of gold and other precious metals, laid them at the entrance of the palace and in front of the idol of gods and goddesses. She also lit diyas all over the palace and got out all the utensils they had in the living room. She bathed her husband, made him sit on the utensil and sung bhajans in praise of god to prevent her husband from sleeping. When Yama, God of Death, took the form of a snake on the fourth night to take the prince with him, he was welcomed with a dazzling sight -he was almost blinded by the brightly lit diyas and sparkling jewellery . The bhajans also had him in a spell, and he left without taking the life of the prince with him. Since then, the day is celebrated as Dhanteras, where women light lamps in the house, worship Goddess Laxmi and all precious ornaments in their house. In return, husbands buy their wives dhan -either in the form of gold jewellery or other important household items.
Yet another folklore refers to Dhanteras as the day when you celebrate the God of medicines -Dhanwantri. So, helping the needy with medicines or money is considered auspicious. Whatever the myth, this day is believed to be propitious.
Silver, platinum, palladium and earth metals are in demand like never before.While platinum was once considered unaffordable, it's slowly become a trendy metal that can be moulded into any form of j e w e l l e r y.Raam, a jewellery retailer, says, “The price of silver has dropped drasti cally this year. So, a lot of people have expressed interest in buying silver articles.Moreover, almost all the puja samagri, including diyas and idols of deities are made of silver. So, more than anklets and earrings, many have placed orders for heavy lamps, customised idols of God and plates and vessels used to perform rituals.“
The price of platinum is also comparatively low, and since the metal has been in vogue for quite a few years now, it's an interesting option to invest in. Raam adds, “These metals also have good buy back guarantee.“
KITCHEN POWER
While kitchen utensils are not exactly a great option in terms of investments, people in all households follow the tradition of buying at least one vessel on Dhanteras.Says Mrinalini Mehta, a homemaker, “Ideally on this day, you have to buy something useful. It could be gold or silver, or some household stuff. It could be something as small as few dinner plates. The idea is to get something new home. But come to think of it, if you buy utensils, you can cook using them and have good food.Isn't that an investment as well?“
OLD IS GOLD
Want to invest in something that not only makes good for your money, but also increases the aesthetics of your houses and raises your status in the society?
Antiques are your answer. Nimrita Bhanu, a marketing head with a travel company, says, “Antiques bring along with them a certain class. They add a refined look to your house and can impress your guests as well. Last Dhanteras, I acquired a classy gramophone and an antique cupboard for my home, and furniture set for my work place. If you are really into aesthetics, antiques are a great buy.“
BE A COLLECTOR
In the past few years, art has become an investment option for many in the coun try . But before you buy art pieces, you must be aware of the basics --which artist sells like hot cake? What kind of pieces are in the top rung options for investors? What is the re-sale value of the piece you've acquired? Unless you are at the top of the game, you mustn't risk it.
Another option for numismatists is, obvi ously, stamps. If your stamp collection is a matter of pride for you, then go ahead and invest in some exclusive and rare stamps. Watches, wine, and knives are some of the other interesting collectibles you can consider this Dhanteras.
MUTUAL FUNDS AND STOCKS
For youngsters who draw a handsome salary, investing in stocks and mutual funds is a good option. R Jayachandran, a stock broker, says, “You can risk your money only till you hit 40. After that, you will have to be careful where you put your savings. This is why mutual funds, stocks and bonds are excellent options for them to invest. You can double your money soon in these. However, a sound knowledge of the market is important. You can also put your money in unit trusts and fixed deposits.“
WHAT'S THE STORY BEHIND DHANTERAS?
One of the interesting aspects of Indian festivals is that there are many reasons behind its inception and celebrations. The fascinating myths behind these festivals lend a mystique to India's culture. And Dhanteras is one of them.
The beginning of the five-day Diwali celebration, there are many legends behind the Dhanteras celebration. One such tale is about a newly-wed prince who was destined to die on the fourth day of his marriage. According to his horoscope, he was doomed to die because of a snake-bite while asleep. His wife, however, didn't lose hope. She got out all her ornaments made of gold and other precious metals, laid them at the entrance of the palace and in front of the idol of gods and goddesses. She also lit diyas all over the palace and got out all the utensils they had in the living room. She bathed her husband, made him sit on the utensil and sung bhajans in praise of god to prevent her husband from sleeping. When Yama, God of Death, took the form of a snake on the fourth night to take the prince with him, he was welcomed with a dazzling sight -he was almost blinded by the brightly lit diyas and sparkling jewellery . The bhajans also had him in a spell, and he left without taking the life of the prince with him. Since then, the day is celebrated as Dhanteras, where women light lamps in the house, worship Goddess Laxmi and all precious ornaments in their house. In return, husbands buy their wives dhan -either in the form of gold jewellery or other important household items.
Yet another folklore refers to Dhanteras as the day when you celebrate the God of medicines -Dhanwantri. So, helping the needy with medicines or money is considered auspicious. Whatever the myth, this day is believed to be propitious.
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