Akshaya Tritiya is a well-known Hindu festivity that happens every year on the third day of the Hindu month of Vaisakha, which is usually in April or May. This occasion, also known as Akti or Akha Teej, is significant to Hindus because they believe that any new ventures or investments undertaken on this day would bring them prosperity, money, and good fortune. On this auspicious day, people pray to God by offering food, clothing, and money to the poor, and buying gold or valuable items.
Akshaya Tritiya will be celebrated on April 22, Saturday, 2023, beginning at 7.49 a.m. and finishing at 7.47 a.m. on April 23. The Puja will take place from 6:04 AM to 12:25 PM on April 22.
What is Akshaya Tritiya?
Akshaya Tritiya is an auspicious festival celebrated mostly by Hindus and Jains throughout India. Akshaya Tritiya, a celebration that brings good luck, fortune, and prosperity, is seen to be auspicious for the success of any endeavour. Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akti or Akha Teej, is observed on the Shukla Paksha Tritiya of the Hindu month of Vaisakha. According to the Gregorian calendar, Akshaya Tritiya generally falls in April or May.
In the phrase Akshaya Tritiya, ‘Akshaya’ stands for eternal, never diminishing, or imperishable, while ‘Tritiya’ refers to the third. In Jainism, the festival honours Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankara who finished his one-year austerity by drinking sugarcane juice. The festival of Akshaya Tritiya is also known as ‘Varsi Tapa’ in Jainism.
Muhurat of Akshaya Tritiya
According to Vedic astrologers, this day is free of any negative influences, hence no muhurat is necessary because the entire day appears to be auspicious. According to Hindu Electional Astrology, in three lunar days, Yugadi, Akshaya Tritiya, and Vijay Dashami do not require any Muhurta to begin or complete any auspicious work. The Akshaya Tritiya Puja Muhurat begins at 07:49 a.m. and ends at 12:20 p.m., according to Drik Panchang. The best time to buy gold is between 07:49 a.m. on April 22 and 05:48 a.m. on April 23.
History of Akshaya Tritiya
Akshaya Tritiya is a day full of important events according to Puranas, Shastras, and ancient history.
- On this day, Lord Ganesha and Ved Vyasa began composing the epic Mahabharata.
- This day also marks the birth anniversary of Lord Parashurama, Lord Vishnu’s sixth avatar.
- Goddess Annapurna was born on this day.
- Lord Krishna gave wealth and monetary benefits to his poor friend Sudama who had come to his aid on this day.
- According to the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna delivered the ‘Akshaya Patra to the Pandavas while they were in exile on this day. He gifted them with this bowl, which would continue to generate an unlimited amount of food, never leaving them hungry.
- Kubera adored Goddess Lakshmi on this day, and as a result, he was appointed Treasurer of the Gods.
- This day is observed in Jainism to honour Lord Adinatha, their first God.
What is Akshaya Tritiya’s significance?
The Akshaya Tritiya importance stems from the concept that whatever began on this day would eventually flourish and prosper. It is seen to be a great time to make new investments for a company’s growth and development, and purchasing gold on this day is thought to indicate prosperity and success that will expand over time.
Other major events related to the festival include Lord Parashurama’s birthday, the beginning of Treta Yuga following Satya Yuga, the day Sudama gave Aval to Lord Krishna, and the day Veda Vyasa began composing the epic Mahabharata. On this day, the annual Rath Yatra in Puri Jagannath also begins.
Vishnu worshippers fast on Akshaya Tritiya and then distribute grains, salt, ghee, vegetables, fruits, and garments to the poor. Tulsi water is sprayed throughout the temple as a symbol of Lord Vishnu. This day commemorates the beginning of the harvest season’s first ploughing day in Eastern India when businesspeople worship Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi before commencing a new audit book for the following fiscal year. On this day, many individuals buy gold or gold jewellery, while Jains end their devotion by having sugarcane juice.
Significance of buying gold on Akshaya Tritiya
- Gold is a symbol of eternal riches: Because gold is associated with wealth, purity, and auspiciousness, it is thought that purchasing gold on Akshaya Tritiya will bring prosperity to the home.
- Best time for purchasing gold: In Hinduism, it is believed that on the day of Akshaya Tritiya, the heavenly energies align in a way that invites auspicious results. As a consequence, it is expected that any new investments or purchases made on Akshaya Tritiya would provide excellent outcomes.
- Part of Hindu practice and Culture: Buying gold on Akshaya Tritiya is a long-standing Hindu tradition that is said to bring blessings and good luck.
- Wealth Preservation: Purchasing gold on Akshaya Tritiya is another method to invest in an item that can keep its value over time and serve as a type of financial stability.
Rituals observed at Akshaya Tritiya
- On this day, devotees of Vishnu fast to honour the god. Later, the needy are given rice, salt, ghee, vegetables, fruits, and clothing as a form of charity. Tulsi water is sprayed throughout the temple as a symbol of Lord Vishnu.
- This is the first ploughing day for the forthcoming harvest season in Eastern India. Also, before beginning a fresh audit book for the following fiscal year, businesspeople worship Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi.
- Many individuals buy gold and gold jewellery on this day. Buying gold on this day is considered religious since it represents good fortune and riches.
- On this day, people plan marriages and long travels.
- On this day, new company initiatives and building projects are launched.
- Other customs on this day include taking a holy bath in the Ganges, offering grain into a sacred fire, and making contributions and offerings.
- On this day, Jains finish their year-long tapasya and conclude their worship by sipping sugarcane juice.
How is Akshaya Tritiya celebrated in different parts of India?
Akha Teej is widely celebrated in Odisha, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh. However, the festival is celebrated differently in various places, with diverse rituals and customs. When it comes to Akshaya Tritiya celebrations, there are several rites and rituals that devotees execute on this important occasion.
Uttar Pradesh
Akshaya Tritiya is recognized as one of the most prominent celebrations in the North Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. On this day of the year, the presiding deity’s feet are displayed at Vrindavan’s Banke Bihari Temple. According to beliefs, Akha Teej is the first day of creation, and so it has such a great religious value. Sandalwood paste is used to decorate Lord Krishna’s idols. In addition, religious offerings to the god include cucumber, aamras, juice, and laddus made of sattu (ground pulses and grains).
Odisha
The celebration celebrates the beginning of the construction of chariots for the major parade of Rath Yatra in the state of Odisha. On Akshaya Tritiya, the famed Chandan Yatra begins. This beautiful day is also known as ‘Muthi Chhuan’ in western Odisha. Green leaves are not permitted to be consumed on this day. On this day, farmers also plant seeds.
Maharashtra
Even in the state of Maharashtra, ladies celebrate this holy festival with tremendous zeal. Women pray for their husbands’ health and longevity. They trade Haldi (turmeric) and Kumkum (vermilion) as part of a ceremony. Both haldi and kumkum are associated with marital pleasure. Not only that, but they also adore Goddes Gauri and offer her sweets and fruits.
West Bengal
The Akshaya Tritiya festival is celebrated with great zeal and dedication in West Bengal. On this day, people buy long-term assets such as gold and silver. Businessmen undertake religious functions and puja to worship Goddess Lakshmi to bring success and prosperity into their businesses.
