Akshaya Tritiya: History And Rituals Of The Popular Festival

Also known as Akha Teej, Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated annually by the Hindu and Jain community every year. The day falls on the third day of the Hindu month of Vaisakha. It is also called the third day of unending prosperity. 

The literal meaning of the word Akshaya Tritiya is never decreasing joy, hope, success and prosperity. The term Tritiya was named after the third lunar day.

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 2024 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. 

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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.

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Interesting Facts About Akshaya Tritiya 2024

• 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.