|| Akshaya Tritiya aka Akha Teej ||
Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej, is a significant festival celebrated by Hindus and Jains. It falls on the third day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) of the Hindu month of Vaishakha, which usually falls in April or May. Akshaya Tritiya is considered to be one of the most auspicious days of the year, and it is believed that any good work or investment done on this day will bring prosperity and good fortune.
Origin and Significance:
The word "Akshaya" means "eternal" or "never diminishing" in Sanskrit, while "Tritiya" means "third". According to Hindu mythology, on this day, Lord Vishnu's sixth incarnation, Parashurama, was born. It is also believed that Lord Ganesha began writing the Mahabharata on this day, and the river Ganges descended to earth. The day is considered to be extremely auspicious for new beginnings, such as starting a new business, buying property or jewelry, or getting married.
Rituals and Celebrations:
On Akshaya Tritiya, devotees wake up early and take a bath before sunrise. They offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and seek his blessings. Some people also observe a fast on this day.
One of the main rituals of Akshaya Tritiya is the purchase of gold. It is believed that buying gold on this day brings wealth and prosperity. People also buy other items such as silver, property, and vehicles. It is considered auspicious to start a new venture or business on this day, as it is believed to bring success and good fortune.
In some regions, Akshaya Tritiya is also celebrated as a harvest festival. People worship Goddess Annapurna, the goddess of food and agriculture, and offer her prayers for a bountiful harvest.
In some parts of the country, people celebrate Akshaya Tritiya by performing charitable acts such as feeding the poor or donating to charity. It is believed that any good deeds performed on this day will yield infinite rewards.
Conclusion:
Akshaya Tritiya is a festival of hope, new beginnings, and prosperity. It is an occasion to seek the blessings of the divine and start new ventures. The day is marked by the purchase of gold and other valuable items, and it is considered to be a good time for investment and business deals. This festival reminds us of the importance of hard work, dedication, and positive thinking in achieving success and happiness in life.