Akshaya Tritiya, which falls on the third day of the bright half of the pan Indian lunar month of Vaishakha of the traditional Hindu calendar, is one of the most important days of the year for the Hindus. Also known as Akha Teej or Navanna Parvam, it's in the month of late April or early May that Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated; a time when both sun and moon are in exalted positions and at their brightest best. Akshaya is a Sanskrit word meaning never diminishing or inexhaustible; the festival puts forth a belief, a belief in the almighty, that any undertaking any meaningful venture or good deed will bring back more of the same to the devotee in terms of success and prosperity, that will not diminish as time passes by. Buying and wearing jewelry made of gold is an important aspect of the day and is known to invite Devi Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth into the households.
It is on this day that people conduct special Pujas, bathe in holy rivers, make charity, and offer barley to the burning fire. There's also a tradition to sprinkle Tulsi water onto the idols of Gods while performing the aarti. It's the various mythological legends and traditions that have been carried forward for millenniums that lend more weightage to all of the above set of beliefs and more. Various Hindu deities like Lord Ganesha, Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva and Devi Laxmi are worshipped on the day for different reasons. Lord Ganesha is worshipped before setting sails for any new venture or deed, Lord Krishna is worshipped for Salvation, Lord Shiva is worshipped for health and good luck, and Goddess Laxmi is worshipped for wealth. Jains, who observe a yearlong fast on an alternate day basis, end it on this day with sugarcane juice. Browse through the sections to know more about the festival of Akshaya Tritiya.
Akshay Tritiya 2012: April 24
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