AKSHAYA TRITIYA : A DAY OF CELEBRATION AND NEW BEGINNINGS

Sonal Agarwal Rawat

Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej, isprimarily a religious and cultural festival for Hindus. It falls on the third Tithi (lunar day) of Bright Half (Shukla Paksha) of the pan-Indian month of Vaishakha which typically falls in April or May. This year it will be celebrated on 22nd April 2023.

The word "Akshaya" means "never diminishing" in Sanskrit, and the festival is considered auspicious for new beginnings, wealth, and success. It is believed that any venture started on this day will be successful and bring prosperity.

Importance of Akshaya Tritiya:

Auspiciousness: Akshaya Tritiya is considered an auspicious day in Hinduism, and any good deed or auspicious event performed on this day is believed to bring eternal blessings and good fortune.

New beginnings: Akshaya Tritiya is seen as a day of new beginnings, and it is considered an auspicious day to start new ventures, make important financial decisions or plan marriages.

Agricultural Significance: Akshaya Tritiya is a significant day for farmers as it marks the beginning of the agricultural season. On this day, farmers begin sowing seeds for the upcoming harvest season.

Wealth and Prosperity: Akshaya Tritiya is associated with wealth and prosperity. It is believed that buying gold or other precious items on this day brings good fortune and wealth. It is also considered a day for charity and giving, which brings blessings and prosperity.

Spiritual Significance:
Akshaya Tritiya has a great spiritual significance in Hinduism. Its significance is rooted in mythology and traditional beliefs.

.The birthday of Lord Parashurama, one of the ten Dashavataras of Lord Vishnuand destroyed evil forces to restore peace and righteousness.

.  The starting day of Treta Yuga after Satya Yuga.

. The day when Sudama offered Aval to Lord Krishna, who in turn blessed him with bountiful wealth and happiness.

.  Lord Krishna gave the Akshaya Patra to Draupadi when the Pandavas started for the Vanavasa, so that they always has food in abundance.

. Veda Vyasa started writing the epic Mahabharata.

. The Holy Ganges descended upon the Earth.

.  The annual Rath Yatra in Puri Jagannath begins on this day.

.  Followers of the Jain religion consider Akshaya Tritiiya to be a holy and supremely auspicious day. It is associated with Lord Adinatha, also known as Rishabhadeva, first of the twenty-four Tīrthankaras. On this day people who observe the year-long alternative day fasting known as Varshi-tap finish their Tapasya by doing parana by drinking sugarcane juice.The day of Akshaya Tritiya is worshiped and said to be auspicious in Jainism because it is said to have established the very first "ahara charya": a methodology to prepare and serve food to Jain monks. Lord Rishabhadeva denounced the worldly pleasures after dividing his vast kingdom amongst his 101 sons, prominent of whom are Gommateshvara Bahubali (whose world's tallest monolithic statue stands at Shravanbelgola and Chakravarti Bharata; it is known today as "Bharat")

Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated in various ways across different parts of India, but there are some common practices that are followed on this day. Here are some of the ways in which Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated:

1.    Buying Gold or other precious items: It is believed that buying gold, silver, or other precious items on Akshaya Tritiya brings good luck and prosperity. Many people purchase gold jewelry, coins or bullion on this day.

2.    Offering Puja, performing rituals and Charity: Devotees visit temples and perform special pujas and rituals to seek blessings from deities. They also offer prayers and perform charity works like donating food, clothes, or money to the poor. Donating to charitable causes has been known to have positive effects on mental health, such as improving mood and reducing stress.Akshaya Tritiya is also considered a day for charity and giving, which brings blessings and prosperity.


3.    Starting New Ventures: Akshaya Tritiya is considered an auspicious day to start new ventures or make important financial decisions. Many people begin new business projects, make investments, or even plan their weddings on this day.

4.    Fasting: Some people observe a fast on Akshaya Tritiya as a form of spiritual purification and to seek blessings from deities. Fasting is believed to purify the body and mind. From a scientific perspective, fasting has been known to have health benefits such as weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and improved brain function.

5.    Planting Seeds: Farmers often begin sowing their crops on Akshaya Tritiya, as it is considered an auspicious day for agriculture.From a scientific perspective, the timing of seed sowing can affect the growth and yield of crops. Planting seeds during a specific time of the year, when the temperature, moisture, and light conditions are optimal, can result in better crop yield.


Akshaya Tritiya is a day of great significance in Hinduism, with various meanings and beliefs associated with it. It is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm across India and Nepal.

Overall, Akshaya Tritiya is a joyous occasion that signifies the renewal of life and the promise of abundance and prosperity.It is believed that any good deed performed on this day will bring infinite blessings and prosperity.