Why do people in Maharashtra exchange Apta leaves as 'gold' on Dussehra. People in Maharashtra exchange Apta leaves on Dussehra as symbols of wealth and good fortune. The tradition traces back to tale of Kautsa, who insisted on offering gurudakshina after completing studies under sage Varatantu. When sage asked for 14 crore gold coins, Kautsa approached Ayodhya’s King Raghu for help, who sought Kubera’s assistance. Kubera showered gold coins on Apta tree.