Akshaya Tritiya
Ushering Boundless Abundance
Celebrated by Hindus all over the world, Akshaya Tritiya is a one-day festival believed to provide limitless blessings of prosperity, health and happiness. In a nation as vibrant and diverse as India, with its many cultures, customs, traditions and festivals, it’s not surprising that a day is dedicated to making good beginnings. There are numerous legends that mark the beginning of this sacred festival, and many Hindus observe the day with the same pomp and enthusiasm it has been celebrated with for centuries.
The Meaning and Significance of Akshaya Tritiya
Celebrated in the Hindu month of Vaisakha (April/May of the Gregorian calendar), Akshaya Tritiya is one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar, as the Sanskrit word ‘akshaya’ means ‘boundless’ or ‘without decay.’ People embark on voyages, plan weddings, make new beginnings and buy gold on this auspicious day, with a belief that it will bring limitless good fortune.
When Does Akshaya Tritiya Fall in 2022?
Generally, Akshaya Tritiya falls on the third lunar day in the month of Vaisakha, and this year it falls on Tuesday, 3 May. The ‘shubh muhurat’, or the auspicious time, begins at 5.18am on 3 May and ends at 7.32am on 4 May. However, Hindus believe that Tritiya doesn’t need shubh muhurat to undertake rituals or begin new endeavours as the day is supposed to be free from harmful effects.
Stories Behind the Origin of Akshaya Tritiya
Every custom in India is linked to a fascinating backstory of gods, goddesses, sages, kings and queens, with Ganga believed to have descended from the heavens to Earth on Akshaya Tritiya. Lord Brahma, answering the prayers of King Bhageeratha, asked his daughter Ganga to flow to Earth. According to Hinduism, the history of humankind is broken down into four ages, or yugas – the Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dwapara Yuga and Kali Yuga – and the Hindu Puranas say that the Treta Yuga began on Akshaya Tritiya.
The sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Parasurama, is believed to have been born on Akshaya Tritiya; Rishi Ved Vyas was known to have started writing the holy epic Mahabharata on this auspicious day too. Several such historical and mythical stories surround the celebration of Akshaya Tritiya, and the Indian populace holds each of these stories dear.
How Is Akshaya Tritiya Celebrated?
Celebrations on Akshaya Tritiya take place in many different forms across India and around the world. Hundreds of devotees throng the Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan to catch a glimpse of the feet of the presiding deity, Lord Krishna, as the idol’s feet are only shown to the devotees on Akshaya Tritiya. The construction of the Shri Puri Jagannath chariot begins on Akshaya Tritiya, and farmers start their first ploughing for the upcoming harvest season. On this day, the covering of sandalwood paste on the main deity of the famous Simhachalam Temple is removed to reveal the original underlying statue.
Why Is Charity Important on Akshaya Tritiya?
Charity forms an integral part of religious celebrations in India, and Akshaya Tritiya is no exception, with many households donating food, cows, clothes and books to those in need. In India, it is believed that charitable deeds carried out on Akshaya Tritiya have the power to cleanse the sins of past lives, or karma. Moreover, the donation of clothes, vermilion, books, fruit and vegetables is believed to increase wealth and harmony.
As one of the oldest traditions of Akshaya Tritiya, many families plant fruit-bearing trees to provide food for generations to come. This day is used to remember and offer thanks to their forefathers with an offering of food and water, whilst stray animals and birds are also cared for on this day to share unconditional love with all forms of life.
Why Is Akshaya Tritiya Associated with Purchasing Gold?
Akshaya Tritiya is synonymous with abundance, prosperity and endless blessings. Buying gold on Akshaya Tritiya is a custom, as many consider it a metal in a perpetual state of purity.
Gold is popular in Indian culture for its ornamental value and as an asset. Regardless of their social and monetary status, families buy gold as jewellery, or gold bars as investments. The global pandemic led to a reduction in gold sales to less than a tonne in 2021, whereas on a normal Akshaya Tritiya, sales average between 25 and 30 tonnes across India. However, according to P. R. Somasundaram, the World Gold Council’s MD, digital gold has seen a steep rise in sales, with many jewellers adopting digital strategies to sell gold.
A Day Dedicated to Making New Beginnings
Considered a day of new beginnings, on Akshaya Tritiya millions of Hindus embark on something new with the hope that it will bring them and their loved ones everlasting happiness, prosperity and luck.
Many Hindus believe that a gold bar or coin bought on Akshaya Tritiya brings an abundance of blessings and our Indian-inspired collection has a plethora of beautiful options to help mark the occasion.
