Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej is one of the most auspicious days for Hindus, that falls on the third Lunar day of Bright Half (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu month of Vaishakha (April-May). According to Hindu mythology, on this day the Treta Yuga began and the river Ganges, the most holy and sacred river of India, descended to the earth from the heaven.
In Sanskrit, the word "Akshaya" means eternal or never diminishing and the day is believed to bring good luck, bliss, happiness and success. This festival is considered as the most significant day to perform sacred deeds. It is believed that charity on this day will make you blessed and will receive blessings many fold. In charity, fan, rice, salt, ghee, sugar, vegetables, tamarind, fruit, clothes, are given.
According to the Hindu Astrology, three Lunar days (Tithis) are held as most auspicious and is known by Sade-Teen Mahurats or auspicious timings in every step in life. The first one is of the Bright half of Chaitra Month (New Year Day), second is the tenth thithi of the Lunar month Ashwin (Vijaya Dashami Day) and the third one is the third thithi of Bright half of Vaishakha (Akshaya Tritiya Day) It is considered an unboojha mahurat.
Akshay Tritiya festival is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Worship of Lord Vishnu on Akshay Tritiya eradicates and removes ones sins and makes him free from all sorrows. Puranas described that Devotees who perform Sri Maha Vishnu Puja on Akshay Tritiya may attain salvation. The day is generally observed by fasting and worship the Lord with rice grains and offer barley in a sacred fire. A dip in the river Ganges on this day is considered to be very auspicious. Akshay Tritiya is also an occasion for weddings, which are conducted in mass marriage ceremonies.
On the day of Akshaya Tirtiya, the birthday of Lord Shri Balarama, one of the Dasavatara, ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu and elder brother of Lord Sri Krishna, is also celebrated. Lord Balaram is significantly known with his weapon Hal (shovel). This day is also most auspicious day for the Jat farming community. Early morning, a male member of Jat family goes to field with shovel. All the animals and birds encountered on the way to the field indicate omen and predictions for rains and crops. In Orissa on Akshay Tritiya farmers start ploughing their land and construction of chariots for Rath Yatra begins at Puri.
On the day of Akshaya Tritiya, Hindus also observe the birthday of Lord Parasurama, the sixth incarantion of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu. According to another legends, during the time of the Mahabhrata, when the Pandavas were in exile, Lord Krishna, on this day, presented them an 'Akshaya Patra,' a bowl which would never go empty and produce an unlimited supply of food on demand.
The Sun and Moon are astrologically believed to be at their most exalted or radiant with equal brightness on this day. It is considered to be very lucky and auspicious day to start new business or venture. The legend states that any venture initiated on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya shall continue to grow and bring prosperity. Many people buy gold or property on this day.
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