India, April 19 -- Gold may be the traditional buy on Akshaya Tritiya, but this year, the focus is shifting from bullion to fabric. Textiles woven with gold and silver threads are emerging as meaningful investments - pieces that carry craft, memory, and value across generations.

Far from being occasion-bound, gold and silver zari textiles are being reimagined as enduring assets. "Our pure gold and silver saris are typically bought for weddings and pujas, but they also make for meaningful investments," says Nishant Malhotra of Weavers Story, noting rising pre-orders ahead of the festive day. Prices range from Rs.1-3 lakh for saris, while dupattas start at Rs.55,000.

For designers, the appeal lies in their layered meaning. "Akshaya Tritiy...