The celebration of Akshaya Tritiya is in full swing across the country, with devotees offering prayers and taking holy dips in the Sarayu River in Ayodhya on this auspicious occasion. One devotee shared, “It is considered very auspicious to take a holy dip in River Sarayu on Akshaya Tritiya. I am glad to be here with my family. After performing rituals, I will offer prayers at Ram Temple.”
Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated as one of the most auspicious days by Hindus and Jains nationwide, symbolizing good luck, success, and fortune. The day is marked by prayer, almsgiving, and spiritual activities. It is considered highly auspicious for starting new businesses, making investments, and purchasing gold and real estate.
In Sanskrit, the word ‘Akshaya’ means ‘never diminishing’. It is believed that ventures started on this day expand indefinitely with fewer obstacles, and that good deeds performed on this day bring eternal success and fortune. Celebrated on the third day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Vaisakh, which falls in April-May in the Gregorian calendar, this day is said to witness the sun and the moon in their most auspicious alignment.
Akshaya Tritiya, also known as ‘Akha Teej,’ is being observed on May 10 this year. It is believed that tasks undertaken on this auspicious day are blessed by divine powers and yield positive outcomes. Bringing home precious metals like gold and silver is considered auspicious for prosperity on this day. It marks the beginning of the Treta Yuga, the third of the four Yugas, according to Hindu mythology.
The festival also commemorates the birth anniversary of Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that on this day, Lord Krishna presented Draupadi with a Patra (container) from which food abundantly appeared during the Pandavas’ exile in the forest.
According to Hindu scriptures, Akshaya Tritiya marks the start of the Kaliyug and the end of the Dwapar Yug. Apart from buying gold, people observe fasts and offer Naivedyam Thali to the gods. Fasting individuals prepare Akshata, offering it to Lord Vishnu for the well-being of their families. ‘Akshata’ is made by combining unbroken rice, turmeric, and kumkum. The Naivedyam Thali, mostly comprising milk and milk products, includes sweets made from milk and grains, which are dedicated to the Lord to seek his blessings.