Akshaya Tritiya 2024: Date, History, Rituals, and Gold Buying Muhurat!
Celebrating Akshaya Tritiya is a way for people to wish for good fortune. (Image: Shutterstock)
Akshaya Tritiya, also referred to as Akha Teej, is a prominent spring festival in India. As per the Drik Panchang, the name comes from the third lunar day of the month named Vasant or Vaisakha. The word Akshaya means never-ending or imperishable, meaning that any work done on this day would result in eternal wealth and success. This year, as per the Gregorian calendar, the celebration will take place on May 10, 2024.
If you’re looking for an auspicious time to buy gold according to Hindu tradition, it starts at 04:17 am on May 9 and lasts until the end of the Tritiya Tithi on May 11.
Akshaya Tritiya 2024 Shubh Muhurat
- Tritiya Tithi Begins on May 10, 2024 at 04:17 AM
- Tritiya Tithi Ends on May 11, 2024 at 02:50 AM
- Auspicious Choghadiya Muhurat-Time to begin new endeavours such as business, puja or inauguration for Akshaya Tritiya 2024-:
- Char-General Muhurat: 5:33 AM to 7:14 AM
- Labh-Unnati Muhurat: 07:14 AM to 08:56 AM
- Amrit-Sarvottam Muhurat: 08:56 AM to 10:00 AM
- Char-Uttam Muhurat: 5:21 PM to 7:02 PM
Akshaya Tritiya History
The history of Akshaya Tritiya is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. It is believed that this auspicious day originated during the Treta Yuga, the second age in Hindu cosmology.
Akshaya Tritiya is also celebrated as Parshuram Jayanti, commemorating the birth of Lord Parshuram, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, known for wielding an axe to protect the world from the tyranny of the Kshatriyas.
According to legends, Sage Vyasa, the revered author of the Mahabharata, began reciting the epic to Lord Ganesha on this day.
It is also said that the sacred river Ganges descended to earth on Akshaya Tritiya. Another significant tale associated with this day is that of Sudama, a dear friend of Lord Krishna. When Sudama visited Dwarka, he did not ask for any material wealth but brought a small bag of rice as a gift. In return, Lord Krishna blessed him with unlimited prosperity.
During the Mahabharata era, the Pandavas received the Akshaya Patra, a vessel that provided unlimited food, and Kubera was appointed as the custodian of wealth, among other blessings and stories that highlight the day’s significance.
Akshaya Tritiya Significance
Celebrating Akshaya Tritiya is a way for people to wish for good fortune. Purchasing gold and real estate on this day is said to bring success and fortune in the future.
People even launch new businesses, take on new employment, attend griha pravesh, and engage in religious activities.
Akshaya Tritiya Rituals
Temples are decked up for the occasion, a special puja is held, and people pay homage to the Goddess of Prosperity and Abundance, Laxmi, as well as Lord Kuber. People also do charity and donations, and some even set up food stalls to feed the destitute and needy.
How is Akshaya Tritiya Celebrated?
- In Odisha, the start of the construction of the chariots for the famous Rath Yatra signifies the importance of Akshaya Tritiya.
- Uttar Pradesh observes a unique tradition at the Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan, where the deity’s feet are revealed to the public for blessings. According to scriptures, this day signifies the creation of the universe by God, thus holding immense importance.
- Maharashtra sees women exchanging haldi and kumkum, symbols of marital bliss, to pray for a harmonious married life. They also worship Goddess Gauri to seek longevity for their husbands.
- In West Bengal, devotees show deep devotion to Goddess Lakshmi, considering this day the most auspicious of the year. People buy precious metals to invoke prosperity and abundance in their lives.