Like the harvest festival Baisakhi heralds the new year in Northern India, Onam is it’s Southern counterpart. This South Indian harvest festival is reason for celebrations and shopping. South India is one of the major consumers of platinum. Vaishali Banerjee, MD at Platinum Guild International reiterates, "Onam is one of the most auspicious days in the festive calendar of Kerala, known to mark new beginnings. Consumers are increasingly buying platinum jewellery for marking and celebrating significant occasions and milestones. As Onam and other upcoming festivals approach, we are confident that this trend will continue. We look forward to a successful Onam with our retail partners in Kerala."

Rajesh Kalyanaraman Executive Director of Kalyan Jewellers echoes the sentiment when he says, “As Onam kick-starts the festive season, we are witnessing a positive buying sentiment leading to a rise in the footfalls at our stores and expecting a significant increase in sales volume. We are quite optimistic about the upcoming festive season for platinum jewellery and expect to close this year on a high note.”

Paul J Alukka, Managing Director, Jos Alukkas says, “Onam holds a very symbolic significance with spirited celebrations and festivities. It is also an occasion to purchase gifts for oneself and all near and dear ones. Platinum makes the perfect gift to commemorate this festival due to its preciousness and we are optimistic that Onam will set positive momentum for the festive season this year.”

Alukkas Varghese Joy, Managing Director, Joyalukkas India Ltd, is of the opinion, “With the beginning of Onam festivities, the country is in festive fervor. We have a positive outlook toward consumer demand for jewellery especially platinum jewellery during Onam as well as the upcoming festive season. In fact, platinum jewellery makes for an ideal choice to celebrate this festival of harvest, gifting and joy.”

Dr B Govindan, Chairman, Bhima Jewellery states, “Onam marks the beginning of a new year in Kerala and is celebrated with huge fanfare. Being a festival of prosperity and abundance, people indulge in the purchase of Jewellery for gifting. Platinum jewellery fits well to celebrate the intrinsic and sentimental value of the occasion.”

The above picture features from left to right Alukkas Varghese Joy, Vaishali Banerjee, Dr Govindan, Paul J Alukka and Rajesh Kalyanraman.