Hindu Temple at Sea Street, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Hindu Temple on Sea Street, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Scene in Sea Street, Colombo, Sri lanka.

"AKSHAYA TRITIYAI", the third day of the bright half of Chithirai, is considered one of the most sacred days of the year. The word `Akshaya' means that which never diminishes.

This year it was 11th of May.

It is considered the perfect time to make your investments in Gold, it is in fact considered one of the most sacred days of the year.

The Akshaya Tritiyai means-that which never diminishes: hence purchases made on this day, are meant to bring luck and prosperity throughout the year.

Gold stands for goodness, purity, wealth and social standing in some cultures, there is an added aura of sanctity and divinity.

All its attributes are personified in the Goddess Lakshmi. Gold has very strong associations with good fortune and prosperity. In essence the idea behind the festival of "Akshaya Tritiyai".

On the day of "Akshaya Tritiyai" in Sea Street In Colombo, Sri Lanka.

On the day of "Akshaya Tritiyai" in Sea Street in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

On the day of "Akshaya Tritiyai" in Sea Street in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

May 11 - On "Akshaya Tritiyai" day in Sea Street, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

On the day of "Akshaya Tritiyai" in Sea Street In Colombo, Sri Lanka.

On the day of "Akshaya Tritiyai" in Sea Street in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

In Sea Street In Colombo, Sri Lanka.

A check on the well being of each other, in Sea Street In Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Shopping at Sea Street, Colombo.

May 11 - On "Akshaya Tritiyai" in Duplication road, in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

On the day of "Akshaya Tritiyai" in Duplication road In Colombo, Sri Lanka.

On the day of "Akshaya Tritiyai"on Duplication road In Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The Gold is being melted.

The gold is being melted.

The gold is being melted in traditional way.

Iyathurai Chadrasegar says that only "Thangachchaariyaar", who makes jewellery,"Thachchaaarayaar", who makes furniture,"Sitpaachchaariyaar", who makes statues,"Kollaachchaariyaar", who makes metal products and "Venkalaachchaariyaar", who makes brass products are allowed to wear the "Poonool".

"Only older goldsmith is allowed to make "Thali".We eat only vegetarian meals, when we make "Thali.It's very sacred" says 38 years old goldsmith Iyathurai Chandrasegar in Sea Street, Colombo.

Iyathurai Chandrasegar believes the traditional way of making jewellery than using the new technology. He says that using the new technology is easier. And traditional way takes time, but last longer.

Iyathrai Chandrasegar has been making jewellery since the age of eleven.

38 years old goldsmith Iyathurai Chandrasegar melting the gold in his workshop in Sea Street, Colombo.

Iyathurai Chandrasegar makes jewellery for the local market as well as for export to Singapore, Dubai and London.

He says that he and his employees make fifty sovereign worth of jewellery daily, at Sujatha Jewellery Work Shop, in Sea Street, Colombo.

Melted gold

"I feel lucky to work with gold, especially to make a part for the whole "Thali".Not very many people get this chance" says 34 years old Sabapathy Ravichandran.

34 years old Sabapathy Ravichandran makes the "Churai" for a "Thali".

The final touch for a "Churai" of a "Thali".

"I make ten pairs of bangles daily. I am challenged by the increasing demand.And I am glad and proud to be part of it" says 40 year old goldsmith Thiaygarajah Sridhar in Sea Street, Colombo.

"We sit on the ground, while making the jewellery.This is the traditional way" says 40 years old goldsmith Thiyagarajah Sridhar in Sea Street, Colombo.

The final touch for bangles.

The final touch for bangles.

Subramaniam Selvam prays before he touches the gold in the morning.

The workshop - "Pattarai" is very clean.
The craftsmen take a wash, before they touch the gold.
They don't entertain any unknown visitors to their workshop - "Pattarai"
Footwear is not allowed in the workshop - "Pattarai"
They believe that, their profession is very sacred.

Subramaniam Selvam makes a rope chain.

Meted gold after been washed in the water.

Is it strong enough?

The traditional way of pressing the gold.

The traditional way of pressing the gold.

24 year old Somasundaram Rajkumar in Sea Street, Colombo.

Somasundaram Rajkumar makes a string chain.
"Patience is essential to make better jewellery" says 24 year old Somasundaram Rajkumar in Sea Street, Colombo.

This goldsmith calls this waste.And it's charged from the customer.

This goldsmith calls this waste. And it's charged from the customer.

Mutulingam Ravi blows gold to make a pair of ear studs.

A pair of ear studs is being made.

"We have to win the heart of the employer. Because gold is veryexpensive and he has to trust his employees" says 33 years old goldsmithMuthulingam Ravi in Sea Street, Colombo.

Rajendran Dayaparan washes a chain in the soap water, after it's been made.

"I am still young. I need to learn more about this craft.And I want to become a famous goldsmith in the future" says 16 years old Rajendran Dayaparan in Sea Street, Colombo.

Rajendran Dayaparan needs his fellow craftsman's support to stretch the chain, when washing it.

"It's not that easy to find a job now a days.I like what I am doing. And I will continue" says 20 years old Ramachandran Sureshkumar in Sea Street, Colombo.