The Akshaya Tritiya festival is also known as Akti or Akha Teej. This festival is an auspicious festival of Hindus and Jains. This festival falls on the third day of the Shukla Paksha of the Vaishakh month. This festival is celebrated as an auspicious time by Hindus and Jains in India and Nepal. According to the mythological texts, whatever works are done on this day, they get a auspicious result. Hence this day is called Akshaya Tritiya.
In Sanskrit, ‘Akshaya’ means hope, prosperity, joy and success and ‘Tritiya’ means third. Every month the tritiya comes on the Shukla Paksha, but during the Shukla Paksha in Vaishakh, the tritiya is considered auspicious. This day holds special significance as the most celebrated muhurat. On this day, any auspicious work can be done – such as a wedding, home entrance, buying clothing, jewelery, houses, land and vehicles etc.
It is believed that on this day, pind daan or any kind of donation made for the Pitros results in renewable. Taking a bath in the Ganges on this day can get rid of all sins. The war of Mahabharata had ended on this day and the Dwapar Yuga had also ended on this day.
Ganga bathing has a special importance in Hinduism and after taking Ganga bath in Brahma Muhurta on the day of Akshay Tritiya, one should worship Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi and offer barley or wheat sattu, cucumber and gram dal. Brahmanas should eat food and donate to them.
Akshaya Tritiya History
There are many legends associated with the spring festival. According to a legend, Akshaya Tritiya is the birthday of the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu, Parasurama. In some regions, the festival is celebrated as Parasurama Jayanti. He is a revered deity in Vaishnava temples. Another legend suggests that on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, sage Vyasa started reciting the Hindu epic Mahabharata to Lord Ganesha.
There is another event linked to Akshaya Tritiya. It is believed that it was on this day that river Ganga descended to earth. Temples Yamunotri and Gangotri opened on this day. Some stories suggest that the temples were opened during the Abhijit Muhurat of Akshaya Tritiya.
A lot of people invest in precious metals like gold and silver on this day. This is because of the legend linked to Lord Kubera. It is believed that Lord Kubera was appointed as the God of wealth on this day.
Akshaya Tritiya Celebrations Across India
The festival is celebrated across the country with utmost zeal. Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated in many regions of India in different ways.
Members of the Jain community who observe year-long alternate-day fasting (varshi-tap) break their fast on this day by drinking sugarcane juice. It is done after visiting pilgrimage sites like Palitana (Gujarat). The festival is known as Varshi Tapa in the Jain community.
In Odisha, it is the beginning of the rice paddy sowing season. The day starts with farmers sowing seeds, worshipping Mother Earth, bullocks and farm equipment for blessings of a good harvest.
Women in Maharashtra fast and pray for the well-being and long life of their husbands. As a ritual, women exchange turmeric and vermillion and worship Goddess Gauri.
In North India, idols of Lord Krishna get covered with sandalwood paste and ladoos made of sattu are offered. In some areas, people buy new utensils, gold and silver as it is considered auspicious and believed to bring success and prosperity.
Interesting Facts
People across the country wait for this day all-year long to start their new ventures as the day is believed to bring in success.Akshaya Tritiya is also the day when the maximum number of weddings take place in the country. A lot of couples pick the date as it is believed to be ‘shubh muhurat’ according to astrology. A lot of people also take up acts of charity on this day and distribute food, clothes and other essentials to the needy. It is believed that on this day Sudama, Lord Krishna’s best friend visited him after he became the king.
Why Buy Jewelry on This Day?
Buying jewelry is considered an auspicious and traditional practice in Hindu culture. There are several reasons why people choose to buy jewelry on this occasion:
– Good fortune and prosperity: This day is believed to be an auspicious day for new beginnings, wealth, and prosperity. Buying jewelry is believed to bring good fortune and success in one’s personal and professional life.
– Investment and savings: Gold and jewelry are considered valuable assets and a good investment option in India. Buying jewelry on this day is seen as a way to invest in something that will appreciate over time and provide financial security for the future.
– Religious and cultural significance: Jewellery has a special place in Hindu culture and is often associated with religious and cultural traditions. On Akshaya Tritiya, buying jewelry is seen as a way to honor these traditions and celebrate the festival in a meaningful way.
– Gift-giving: Akshaya Tritiya is also a popular occasion for gift-giving. Buying jewelry as a gift for loved ones is a common practice on this day. It is believed to bring them good fortune and blessings.
Akshaya Tritiya: A day of prosperity & abundance
