Akshaya Tritiya is a popular festival celebrated every year by the Hindus and the Jains. It is considered as the birth of Lord Parasurama and is therefore considered as a lucky day; hence the belief that any venture such as a business or the construction of a building should be started on this day will be prosperous and successful. This festival is a one day affair and is celebrated in late April or early May.

Another explanation of celebrating Akshaya Tritiya is because it is on this day that the God of wisdom, Lord Ganesha, had begun writing the epic work known as ‘Mahabharata’. There is also a belief that when the pandavas were in exile, the Lord had presented them with a bowl named ‘Akshaya patra’. The bowl was never empty and it had produced unlimited amount of food on demand.

The word Akshaya means the most ‘Eternal’, that which never diminishes and is therefore considered as the most golden day of the year. This is why people believe that anything that is made or bought on that day will bring good fortune. Be it the beginning of a new business or a venture or even a wedding, Akshaya Tritiya is believed to be the auspicious day for it. People who are born in this month is also said to be very lucky and will shine bright in their life.

Another story is a charming story about Lord Krishna’s poor friend Sudama who came to meet him to ask him for some financial help. Lord Krishna did not have anything with him expect a bag of poha, which he was ashamed to give as Sudama treated him as a king. His poor friend was overwhelmed by Krishna’s hospitality that he couldn’t ask him for money and he had to go back home empty-handed. When Sudama reached home, his run-down hut was converted into a palace and his family members were all attired in royal garments. Sudama instantly knew that this was a blessing from his friend Krishna who had blessed him with so much of wealth. Some believe that this is the reason why Akshaya Tritiya is associated with material gains.

Apart from buying jewelry and making such purchases, charity is also one of the important aspects of Akshaya Tritiya. Specific items that such land, gold, fans, giving food and water to the poor, feeding the cows and calf brings blessings from above.  Another significant aspect of this day is the worshipping of Goddess Laxmi with gold coins and such items that will be kept in the puja; this makes the wealth accumulate throughout the year. Giving out food items such as rice, ghee, salt, tamarind, fruits, vegetables, wheat and clothes as well as remembering the departed ancestors are believed to do much good to the devotees.

Finally, irrespective of what community or section of the society you belong to, Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated in the various parts of the country with much zest.

Looking for purchasing gold jewelry this Akshya Tritiya? Click here to find jewelry shops near your locality. 

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