What is Akshaya Tritiya?
Akshaya Tritiya (also spelled Akha Teej) is one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar, observed on the third day (Tritiya) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Vaishakha month. 'Akshaya' means 'imperishable' or 'eternal' in Sanskrit — anything begun or given on this day is believed to grow and never diminish.
Why is it observed?
Hindu tradition holds that Akshaya Tritiya is a day of spontaneous auspiciousness — meaning no muhurat calculation is required. The day is associated with several sacred events: the descent of the Ganga, the beginning of the Treta Yuga, Lord Parashurama's birth anniversary, and the day sage Vedavyasa began dictating the Mahabharata to Ganesha. It is also the day Lord Krishna gave Draupadi an inexhaustible vessel (akshaya patra) filled with food.
How is it observed?
Offerings of wheat, water, fruit, curd, and new clothes are made to deities. Gold and property purchases on this day are considered especially auspicious, as they are believed to multiply. Charitable acts — feeding the poor, donating to temples, giving water — carry great merit. New businesses and ventures started on Akshaya Tritiya are considered to flourish. Devotees worship Lakshmi and Vishnu.
When does it occur?
Akshaya Tritiya falls on Vaishakha Shukla Tritiya — typically in April or May. It is considered an Abujha Muhurat (one of the very few days in the Hindu calendar when any auspicious activity can begin without checking a muhurat).
Key Highlights
Abujha Muhurat
Akshaya Tritiya is one of only a handful of days in the Hindu calendar classified as 'Abujha' — self-auspicious, requiring no muhurat verification for any new beginning.
Akshaya Patra legend
Lord Krishna gifted Draupadi an inexhaustible vessel (Akshaya Patra) that would never run empty of food — the mythological origin of this day's association with plenty.
Gold purchasing tradition
Buying gold on Akshaya Tritiya is a pan-India tradition, with jewellers reporting some of their highest annual sales on this day. The belief: gold purchased on this day grows in value and prosperity.
Frequently asked questions
What is the significance of charity on Akshaya Tritiya?
According to tradition, any charity given on Akshaya Tritiya multiplies infinitely — its merit (punya) never diminishes. Giving water, food, gold, or clothing on this day is considered one of the highest acts of devotion.
Is Akshaya Tritiya also celebrated in Jainism?
Yes — in Jainism, Akshaya Tritiya (known as Akha Teej) marks the day the first Tirthankara, Lord Rishabhadeva (Adinath), broke his one-year fast with sugarcane juice, donated by a king. This event is called Varshitap Parana and is widely celebrated across Jain communities.