Akshaya Tritiya

Akshaya Tritiya is a Hindu festival, that falls on the third Tithi (Lunar day) of Bright Half (Shukla Paksha) of Hindi month of Vaishakha.

The word "Akshaya" means imperishable or eternal - that which never diminishes. Initiations made or valuables bought on this day are considered to bring success or good fortune. Buying gold is a popular activity on Akshaya Tritiya, as it is the ultimate symbol of wealth and prosperity. Gold and gold jewelry bought and worn on this day signify never diminishing good fortune. Indians celebrate weddings, begin new business ventures, and even plan long journeys on this day.

According to Hindu mythology, Akshay Tritiiya was the day when Veda Vyasa started dictating the epic Mahabharata to Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom and for obstacle removal.

Akshaya Tritiya is traditionally the birthday of Lord Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Shri Balarama Jayanthi (birthday of Lord Sri Balaram) is also celebrated on this day. Balarama was the elder brother of Lord Sri Krishna.Lord Balarama is also referred as one of the Dasavatara, ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. People conduct special Pujas on this day, bathe in holy rivers, make a charity, offer barley in a sacred fire, and worship Lord Ganesha & Devi Lakshmi on this day.

Akshaya Tritiya is considered to be the day when Goddess Madurai Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar got married. Hence, couples who get married on this day are blessed with gracefulness and bright prospects. The effects of holy acts committed on this day are believed to last throughout the year.

Draupadi got the Akshayapathra (the ever full vessel) on this day. Sage Sankaracharya brought down a shower of gold gooseberries (Amla/Nellikai) on this day when he composed the Kanakadhaara Strotram.