In the Sanatan tradition, there are certain dates that convey a vibrant message of life philosophy. One such sacred date is Akshaya Tritiya, known as Akha Teej or Akti Teej. The word “Akshaya” in this festival means that which never decays, that is, that which lasts forever, that which is infinite.
This is why chanting, penance, charity, service, havan, or any auspicious work done on this day is considered to yield eternal fruits. Celebrated on the third day of the bright fortnight of the month of Vaishakha, this festival commemorates the never-ending tradition of spiritual progress, righteousness, service, and good deeds.
According to mythological beliefs, this date witnesses the change of the time cycle. According to mythology and history, the following events occurred on this day:
Yugadi Tithi: According to Hindu time calculations, Akshaya Tritiya marked the end of Satya Yuga and the beginning of Treta Yuga.
Parashurama Jayanti: Lord Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu and a master of weapons and scriptures, appeared on this date.
Descent of the Ganges: Pleased with the intense penance of Bhagiratha, Mother Ganga descended from heaven to earth on this day, making the salvation of all beings possible.
Acquisition of the Akshaya Patra: During the exile of the Pandavas in the Mahabharata period, the Sun God gave them the Akshaya Patra, which ensured they never faced a shortage of food.
Meeting of Sudama and Krishna: Dwarkadhish Shri Krishna alleviated the poverty of his best friend Sudama on this date.
According to the Drik Panchang, the Vaishakh Shukla Tritiya Tithi will begin on April 19, 2026, at 10:49 am and end on April 20, 2026, at 7:27 am. According to the Udaya Tithi, Akshaya Tritiya will be celebrated on April 19, 2026. The auspicious time for purchasing gold on this day is considered particularly auspicious, from 10:49 am on April 19 to 6:14 am on April 20.
A unique feature of Akshaya Tritiya is that it is called an Abujh Muhurat. This means that there is no need to look for a specific auspicious time for any auspicious work on this day. All tasks such as marriage, housewarming, groundbreaking, starting a new business, purchasing a vehicle, and buying jewelry are considered automatically accomplished on this day. According to Vedic astrology, there are only a few dates in the year that are considered free from all inauspicious influences, and Akshaya Tritiya is one of them.
Buying gold on Akshaya Tritiya is an ancient tradition. Since Vedic times, gold has been considered not just a metal but a manifestation of Goddess Lakshmi herself. Since this is the ‘Akshaya’ date, it is believed that gold purchased on this day never corrodes. It symbolizes not just material wealth but also the continued good fortune of the family. Lord Vishnu, the protector of the universe, and Goddess Lakshmi, the presiding deity of wealth, reside permanently in the home in the form of gold on this day. Especially the women of the house, known as Griha Lakshmi, purchase jewelry on this day to pray for the happiness and prosperity of the family.
The festival of Akshaya Tritiya is dedicated to the Lakshmi Narayana form of Lord Vishnu. It is also dedicated to Kubera, the treasurer of heaven. On this day, devotees should wake up at Brahma Muhurta and bathe in holy rivers. If this is not possible, bathe at home by mixing Ganga water with water.
Sankalp: After bathing, take water in your hand and resolve to observe a fast or perform a special puja.
Pujan: Offer yellow flowers, sandalwood, incense, and a lamp to the idols of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Kubera. Worship with all your heart.
Bhog: Offer Sattu, cucumber, gram dal, and fruits to the Lord on this day.
Japa: Chant the mantra “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” as much as you can.
The importance of charity on Akshaya Tritiya goes beyond material pleasures. The scriptures state that charity on this day expiates a person’s accumulated sins.
Akshaya Tritiyaaya daanam, punyam cha na kshiyate.
That is, the charity and virtue earned on Akshaya Tritiya never ends. In the Sanatan tradition, it is believed that donating on this day does not lead to a loss of wealth but rather increases wealth and prosperity.
1. Donation of Food:
“Annadanam Param Daanam” (food is the Supreme Being) is called the Supreme Being in religious texts. Feeding a hungry person on Akshaya Tritiya is equivalent to serving Lord Narayana himself. Due to the onset of summer, donating Sattu (sattu), jaggery, and cool water on this day holds special significance.
2. Donation of Water:
Giving water to the thirsty is the greatest act of humanity. Donating water in an earthen pot (kumbha) on this day satisfies the souls of ancestors.
3. Other Donations:
Donation of Clothes: Give clothes to the poor to cover their bodies.
Donation of Cows: Donating cows to Brahmins is considered excellent for spiritual progress.
Donation of Footwear: Donating shoes or slippers to passersby in this scorching heat is extremely virtuous.
Donation on Akshaya Tritiya is not just about sacrificing material things but about shedding ego. It purifies the soul and sows seeds in the chain of actions whose fruits remain eternal for generations.
The following religious activities are typically performed on this sacred day:
Everything in this world is impermanent, except for the good deeds we perform. Buying gold symbolizes prosperity, but wiping the tears of the distressed and feeding the hungry makes that prosperity ‘eternal.’ This Akha Teej, let us not only seek prosperity for ourselves but also pray for the welfare of all beings in the world.
Let us awaken our souls and move forward on the path of service, meditation, and devotion. We pray to God that on this Akshaya Tritiya, the light of righteousness, the spirit of service, and the inexhaustible flow of virtue may always remain in everyone’s life.
Q: Why is Akha Teej celebrated?
A: Performing auspicious deeds and giving charity on this day, also known as Akshaya Tritiya, brings everlasting, eternal rewards. Therefore, this festival is celebrated on the third day of the bright fortnight of the month of Vaishakh.
Q: Who is worshipped on Akshaya Tritiya?
A: Lakshminarayana is primarily worshipped on Akshaya Tritiya. Lord Kubera, the god of wealth, is also worshipped.
Q: Why is the third day of the bright fortnight of the month of Vaishakha called Akshaya Tritiya?
A: According to mythological texts, any auspicious work done on this day brings everlasting, eternal benefits. That is why it is called Akshaya Tritiya.
Q: What to do on Akshaya Tritiya 2026?
A: Donate to the poor, the destitute, and the needy. Worship Lakshminarayana and Kubera, buy gold, and start new ventures.
Q: Why buy gold on Akha Teej?
A: Gold is a symbol of wealth, and it is believed that gold purchased on this day brings eternal prosperity.