Akshaya Tritiya, a revered Hindu festival celebrated by Hindus in India and around the world, holds significant cultural and religious importance. Also known as Akha Teej, this festival venerates the God and Goddess of wealth and is observed on the third day (Tritiya Tithi) of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the Vaishakha month.
Date and Timings:
According to the Hindu calendar, Akshaya Tritiya falls on the auspicious day of Shukla Paksha Tritiya, under the Rohini Nakshatra in the month of Vaishakha. In the year 2024, it will be celebrated on Friday, May 10th. The auspicious timings for puja or muhurat begin from 05:33 AM to 12:18 PM, with gold purchase timings spanning from May 10th, 5:33 AM onwards, until 2:50 AM on May 11th.
Origin and Significance:
Akshaya Tritiya is associated with Lord Vishnu, the preserver in the Hindu Trinity. According to Hindu mythology, the Treta Yuga commenced on this day. It also coincides with Parashurama Jayanti, the birth anniversary of the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The term "Akshaya" symbolizes eternal prosperity, making this day auspicious for new ventures, marriages, buying gold, and other significant activities.
Puja Vidhi and Celebrations:
The festival is celebrated with fervor across India. Devotees wake up early, bathe, and wear clean clothes before performing puja to Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Kubera, the deity of wealth. Offerings of flowers, fruits, sweets, and diyas are made, along with charitable acts like feeding the needy and donating to worthy causes. Families gather to share festive meals, exchange gifts, and partake in the joyous occasion.
Akshaya Tritiya epitomizes prosperity, wealth, and new beginnings, with devotees seeking divine blessings through traditional rituals and auspicious activities. By observing puja vidhi and engaging in charitable deeds, believers commemorate the everlasting blessings associated with this auspicious day.