Akshaya Tritiya is a holy Hindu festival, celebrated across the country with numerous customs. Each community in India has its own unique method of celebrating. It falls on the Shukla Paksha Tritiya in the month of Vaisakha. It is considered as a very auspicious day for new beginnings, buying assets and more. The day is thought to bring fortune and prosperity. Let’s dig more on its meaning, history and significance!
What is Akshaya Tritiya?
Akshaya Tritiya is a Hindu and Jain holiday celebrated in India. It is also known as Akti or Akha Teej. It takes place on the third lunar day (Tritiya) of Shukla Paksha in month of Vaishakha. The day falling on Rohini Nakshatra day with Wednesday symbolizes unending prosperity and good luck.
In Sanskrit, ‘Akshaya’ signifies ‘never diminishing’. As a result, anything that is done or obtained on this day is thought to thrive or result in continued prosperity. It is seen to be the best time to start new businesses, get married, and make investments.
On Akshaya Tritiya, Hindus worship the goddess Lakshmi and the god Vishnu in an attempt to attract wealth and good fortune. Devotees perform Lakshmi puja, chant Vishnu Sahasranama, and give food and clothing to needy ones. Jains celebrate Akshaya Tritiya to commemorate Lord Rishabhanatha’s first alms intake after a year of fasting.
Akshaya Tritiya: Significance
The significance of Akshaya Tritiya in Hinduism and Jainism cannot be overstated. It also marks the birth of Lord Parashurama, Vishnu’s sixth avatar, and the beginning of the Treta Yuga, one of the four cosmic eras.
According to Hindu scriptures and Puranas, Time is divided into four Yuga, or periods – the Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dwapar Yuga, and Kali Yuga. Akshaya Tritiya marks the beginning of the Treta Yuga and the end of the Satya Yuga, or the prime of human existence. Akshaya Tritiya has deep roots in Hinduism and may be traced back to the beginning of human life on Earth. It is one of the four Yugadi Tithi.
Every investment or good deed performed for Akshaya Tritiya is believed to have long-term benefits. People buy gold, perform religious ceremonies, and start new enterprises on this auspicious day, which is believed to bring wealth, prosperity, and spiritual advancement. It is often recognized that the day is associated with spiritual benefits as well as natural plenty. With the hope that time would bring consistent, year-round growth, farmers often begin sowing seeds, and artisans begin new projects.
In Vedic Astrology, the day of Akshaya Tritiya is also accorded particular importance. It is thought that this day is very auspicious to start new jurneys. On Akshaya Tritiya day, a number of Mangalika (माङ्गलिक) activities are carried out, such as housewarming and marriage ceremonies, buying new jewelry and clothes, buying real estate, buying a new car or motorcycle, and so on.
Akshaya Tritiya 2025 Date, Timing and Puja Muhurat
As per Amanta as well as Purnimanta Hindu Calendar –
Shukla Paksha Tritiya (3rd day) of Vaishakha (2nd month) is Akshaya Tritiya
- 2025 Akshaya Tritiya date: April 30 (Wednesday)
- Tritiya Tithi Begins: 05:31 PM on Apr 29, 2025
- Tritiya Tithi Ends: 02:12 PM on Apr 30, 2025
- Akshaya Tritiya Puja Muhurat: 05:42 AM – 12:19 PM
Akshaya Tritiya: History
Akshaya Tritiya originally appeared in ancient Hindu texts. According to legend, Lord Ganesha and Ved Vyasa started writing the epic Mahabharata on this day. The fall of the sacred Ganga River, which represents human wealth, vitality, and cleanliness, is another event that people commemorate on this day.
Akshaya Tritiya holds significance in Jain history too. Since Lord Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara, finished his year-long ascension by sipping sugarcane juice. This story emphasizes the value of compassion and selflessness. Through rituals, spiritual observances, and deeds of goodwill, the day, which has developed over thousands of years as a symbol of unending good fortune, is commemorated in both religions.
How is Akshaya Tritiya Celebrated in India?
People in India celebrate Akshaya Tritiya by purchasing new items such as jewelry, real estate, and precious metals. It is a significant day for both religious and commercial festivities.
Even though Akshaya Tritiya is only one day on the calendar, it is observed in many different ways across India. The following is how Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated in different states:
Odisha
Akshaya Tritiya is the very beginning of Odisha’s massive Rath Yatra preparations. The construction of the majestic chariots for Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra begins in Puri with rituals and celebrations on this day.
Uttar Pradesh
In honor of Akshaya Tritiya, the Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, conducts a unique darshan of the deity’s feet. Large crowds of devotees assemble to celebrate this holy occasion.
Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, Haldi-kumkum celebrations are performed by the Maharashtrian women. They exchange turmeric and vermilion to commemorate Akshaya Tritiya. On this auspicious day, families make purchases and start new businesses after praying to Goddess Gauri for marital happiness, health, and wealth.
West Bengal
In West Bengal, devotees worship the goddess Lakshmi to attract wealth. Akshaya Tritiya is one of the luckiest days of the year and a symbol of unending wealth.
Tamil Nadu
In Tamil Nadu, Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated with offerings like Vishnu pujas and Akkaravadisal. Parents enroll their children in creative or academic pursuits because they believe it will ensure success in future. Throughout the day, several prayers and charitable acts are performed.
Gujarat
Gujaratis perform Lakshmi puja at their homes and workplaces in celebration of Akshaya Tritiya. In a technique known as ‘Muhurat trading’, businessmen produce new financial records to represent achievement and new beginnings. Buying gold is another important statewide tradition.
Conclusion
Akshaya Tritiya is the ideal time of year to welcome good fortune into your life. The underlying belief of the day is that good deeds and good intentions performed on Akshaya Tritiya will result in immeasurable benefits later on, done by customary rites, charitable endeavors, or symbolic gold purchases.
