Tue Dec 23 18:08:24 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text, written as if published by “The Hindu” e-Paper on December 23, 2025:

The Hindu: Kozhikode, December 23, 2025 – Gold Prices Soar Past ₹1 Lakh Per Sovereign, Hitting Kerala Families Hard

Kozhikode, Kerala – In a development widely expected but nonetheless impactful, the price of gold in Kerala has breached the ₹1 lakh mark per sovereign (8 grams) today. The surge is particularly affecting families preparing for weddings, where gold jewellery remains a significant component of traditional celebrations.

The rise in gold prices has been particularly painful for many planning weddings. Bivitha M., a homemaker from Koyilandy whose daughter is getting married this Sunday, expressed dismay: “This is a huge slap in the face for common folk. We hoped to make a last-minute purchase, expecting prices to drop. All we can do now is make do with seven sovereigns instead of the 10 sovereigns we had planned to buy.”

Kerala consistently leads the country in per capita gold consumption, and gold is traditionally viewed as both a symbol of prosperity and a reliable investment, especially for women. However, the recent price surge is prompting a shift in attitudes.

Archana Anilkumar’s family, anticipating the price rise, strategically deposited money with jewelers throughout the year to lock in lower rates. Meanwhile, a growing number of modern brides are expressing a preference for less heavy gold jewellery, alleviating some financial pressure on their families.

“They maintain that they can buy gold on their own if needed,” said Bivitha, whose daughters had refused to accept large quantities of gold from their parents.

T.K. Surendran, Kozhikode district president of the All Kerala Gold and Silver Merchants’ Association, notes a shift in the market: “Most people now come only to exchange old gold ornaments. Even for weddings, many opt for imitation jewellery. Gold is no longer purchased as gifts.”

Despite the impact on affordability and the changing preferences of some younger generations, Kerala’s deep-rooted cultural affinity for gold is expected to persist, even if the quantity purchased is altered.

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