Mumbai: The Akshaya Tritiya festival in 2026 has seen an extraordinary surge in both gold and silver sales, with the market achieving unprecedented highs despite significant price increases. The latest data from the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA) reveals a transformative shift in consumer behavior, underscoring a marked resilience in the bullion market.
The gold market registered a remarkable 134% growth in total value, with gold sales in 2026 reaching ₹37,500 Crore, up from ₹16,000 Crore in 2025. The volume of gold sold also saw an uptick, moving from 16 tonnes in 2025 to 25 tonnes this year. The price per gram of gold experienced a sharp increase, contributing to a substantial rise in turnover, despite only a modest rise in the volume of gold sold.
Silver, though experiencing a decline in volume, saw its total market value soar. The volume of silver sold dropped from 400 tonnes in 2025 to 300 tonnes in 2026. However, the market value surged by over 87%, reaching ₹7,500 Crore. This shift signals silver’s growing dual role as both an industrial and investment asset. Despite higher entry costs and significant price volatility, silver remained attractive to investors, reflecting broader market trends.
Retailers reported a strong demand for lightweight jewellery and digital gold, as consumers balanced traditional Akshaya rituals with the reality of record-high gold prices. Digital gold, in particular, has become increasingly popular as consumers seek secure and flexible investment avenues.
The significant growth in both gold and silver sales during this year's Akshaya Tritiya clearly reflects a broader trend of diversification in the Indian investment portfolio. With gold now firmly embedded as both an asset and cultural symbol, the festival highlighted the continued strength of the Indian bullion market, even amidst challenging economic conditions.
