When is Akshaya Tritiya?
In Sanskrit, the word akṣhaya means "never decreasing" in the sense of "prosperity, hope, joy, success", while tr̥itiya means "third phase of the moon". It falls on the third lunar day of the spring month of Vaisakha in the Hindu calendar. The name refers to the belief that the benefits from performing devotion and piety on this day will not go away.
Why is Akshaya Tritiya observed?
Akshaya Tritiya is believed to be one of the most auspicious times of the year. This is the time when people buy jewellery, gold, silver, properties, vehicles or houses. It is believed that things bought on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya will never reduce in value. People worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber on this day and seek their blessings.
Akshaya Tritiya is considered auspicious by Hindus and Jains in many regions of India and Nepal for new ventures, marriages, charity, and in investments such as gold or other property. It is also a day of remembrance for the loved ones who have died.
The day is regionally significant for women, married or unmarried, who pray for the well-being of the men in their lives or the one they may in future get engaged to. After prayers, they distribute germinating gram (sprouts), fresh fruits, and Indian sweets. If Akshaya Tritiya falls on a Monday, the festival is believed to be more auspicious. Fasting, charity, and helping others on this day is another festive practice.
The Mythology of Akshaya Tritiya
According to Hindu custom, Lord Krishna visited the Pandavas in their exile unannounced. For not preparing a grand feast to welcome Lord Krishna Draupadi, the wife of Pandavas fell on his feet and begged for his forgiveness. However, Lord Krishna took a single strand of a herb from the food bowl and forgave her. Then he blessed the Pandavas with the Akshaya Patra – the bowl which can never run out of food and offerings. According to another legend, Akshaya Tritiya is the day when Lord Kuber received the blessings of Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma and was given the responsibility of safeguarding heaven's wealth.
