Akshaya Trutiya (Odia: ଅକ୍ଷୟ ତୃତୀୟା) is a festival celebrated by Hindus and Jains around the world. It falls on the third lunar day of the bright half of the month of Vaisakha, which usually occurs in April or May. The word akshaya means "never decreasing" or "everlasting" in Sanskrit, and trutiya or tritiya means "third". Therefore, Akshaya Tritiya signifies the "third day of unending prosperity".
2024 Akshaya Trutiya Data: 10 May 2024
Why is Akshaya Tritiya auspicious?
According to Hindu mythology, there are several reasons why Akshaya Tritiya is considered a very auspicious day. Some of them are:
- It is believed that on this day, the Treta Yuga, or the second epoch of creation began. This was the era when Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, was born and ruled over Ayodhya.
- It is also said that on this day, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu, who is known for his valour and devotion to his father.
- It is also the day when Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom and success, started writing the epic Mahabharata as dictated by sage Vyasa.
- It is also the day when the Pandavas, the heroes of the Mahabharata, received the Akshaya Patra or the inexhaustible vessel of food from Lord Krishna. This vessel ensured that they never ran out of food during their exile in the forest.
- It is also the day when Goddess Annapurna, the goddess of food and nourishment, was born. She is worshipped as a form of Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva.
- It is also the day when Kubera, the god of wealth and prosperity, received his status and wealth from Lord Shiva. He is also regarded as the treasurer of the gods and the guardian of the north direction.
How is Akshaya Tritiya celebrated?
Akshaya Tritiya is a day of joy and gratitude for Hindus and Jains. They observe various rituals and customs to seek blessings from their favorite deities and ancestors. Some of them are:
- Many people perform special prayers and offerings to Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Annapurna, and Kubera on this day. They chant mantras, recite scriptures, light lamps, offer flowers, fruits, sweets, and other items to please them and invoke their grace.
- Many people also perform charity and donation activities on this day. They give away food, clothes, money, gold, silver, or other valuables to the poor and needy. They believe that whatever they give away on this day will multiply manifold and bring them more prosperity and happiness in return.
- Many people also start new ventures or projects on this day. They believe that any work initiated on this day will be successful and fruitful. They also buy gold or silver ornaments or coins to symbolize wealth and auspiciousness. They wear new clothes and jewelry and decorate their homes with rangoli (colorful patterns) and toran (door hangings).
- Many people also get married or engaged on this day. They believe this will ensure a long-lasting and harmonious relationship with their partner. They also exchange gifts and blessings with their family and friends.
Akshaya Trutiya is a day to celebrate life and abundance. It is a day to express gratitude for all that we have and share it with others. It is a day to invoke the divine energy of ever-growing prosperity in our lives. May this Akshaya Tritiya bring you all happiness and success!
N.B.: Images are taken from Biswanath Rout and Rajeev Lochan Nayak. This blog is compiled by Sangram Keshari Senapati.
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