Akshaya Tritiya is one of the most important and holy festivals in India. It is celebrated by Hindus and Jains with great devotion. This day is believed to bring good luck, success, and never-ending prosperity. The word "Akshaya" means never-ending or eternal, and "Tritiya" means the third day of the lunar fortnight. It usually falls in April or May, according to the Hindu calendar.
This day is also known as Akha Teej in many parts of India. People believe that anything started on this day will grow forever and bring positive results. That is why many people choose Akshaya Tritiya to start new work, buy gold, or perform important rituals.
Why Akshaya Tritiya is Celebrated
There are many legends and stories behind Akshaya Tritiya. It is said that on this day:
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Lord Vishnu's sixth avatar, Parashurama, was born.
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Lord Ganesha started writing the epic Mahabharata, as narrated by Ved Vyasa.
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Sudama, the poor friend of Lord Krishna, visited him on this day and received wealth and happiness in return.
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The river Ganga is believed to have come down to earth from heaven on Akshaya Tritiya.
In Jain tradition, this day marks the end of one year of fasting by Lord Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankara.
All these stories show that this day is full of blessings, wealth, and good fortune. That’s why Akshaya Tritiya is considered one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar.
Importance of Gold on Akshaya Tritiya
One of the main traditions of Akshaya Tritiya is buying gold. People believe that buying gold on this day brings prosperity and financial growth. Gold is considered a symbol of wealth and purity. Many families buy gold jewelry or coins as a way to invite Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, into their homes.
Jewelry shops and online stores offer special discounts and new collections for Akshaya Tritiya. This day sees a huge rise in gold sales across India. Even people who cannot afford gold sometimes buy silver or small gold items as a sign of hope and good luck.
Rituals and Celebrations
People across India celebrate Akshaya Tritiya in different ways, but some common rituals include:
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Puja and Fasting: Devotees wake up early, take a bath, and wear clean clothes. They offer prayers to Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Ganesha. Many people observe a fast on this day and read holy books like the Vishnu Sahasranama or Bhagavad Gita.
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Charity and Helping Others: Giving food, clothes, money, or other essentials to the poor is considered very lucky on Akshaya Tritiya. Many people donate to temples, feed cows, or help orphans and old-age homes. Acts of kindness on this day are believed to bring divine blessings.
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Buying Gold and Starting New Work: As mentioned, buying gold or silver is one of the most common practices. People also start new businesses, sign new contracts, or even plan weddings and housewarmings on this day. Since it is a “Swayam Siddha Muhurat” (a self-chosen lucky time), there is no need to look for a special time or date.
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Akshaya Tritiya for Farmers and Traders: For farmers, Akshaya Tritiya is an ideal time to begin ploughing the field and start the agricultural season. Traders also open new account books and perform Lakshmi Puja to pray for profit and success in their business. In Bengal and Odisha, it is called “Halkhata”, where shopkeepers invite customers and give sweets as a gesture of goodwill.
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Akshaya Tritiya in Jainism: In Jain tradition, Akshaya Tritiya is deeply spiritual. It is the day when Lord Rishabhdev completed his year-long fast by drinking sugarcane juice. Jains celebrate this day by performing Varshi Tap, a form of intense fasting and prayer. They also give food and water to monks and take part in religious rituals to honor their Tirthankaras.
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Modern Celebrations: In today’s times, many people celebrate Akshaya Tritiya both spiritually and practically. While some focus on rituals and charity, others look forward to buying gold or making new investments. It has also become a day for planning big events like marriages or buying a new house or vehicle.
Akshaya Tritiya is not just a religious festival. It is a day of hope, new beginnings, and positivity. Whether you are praying, donating, or starting something new, this day reminds us that good actions will always bring good results. It teaches us the importance of faith, generosity, and hard work.
