Akshaya Tritiya is a holy day for Hindu communities, celebrated on the third day of the month of Vaishakh, which on the Gregorian calendar falls around April or May. It is a day for Hindus to celebrate the birthday of Lord Parasurama—the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu—and this day is considered the most prosperous of the year.

The Tradition of Akshaya Tritiya

According to Hindu tradition, Akshaya Tritiya is a day when many “firsts” began. It is believed that on this day, Lord Ganesha and Ved Vyasa started writing the Mahabharata—an epic poem known as the “Great Epic of the Bharata Dynasty” in Sanskrit. It is also believed to be the day when the River Ganges descended from the heavens.
Other traditions state that Goddess Annapurna was born on this day and that Lord Krishna presented his impoverished friend Sudama with wealth. In Jainism, this day is celebrated to commemorate their first Tirthankara, Lord Adinatha.

Akshaya Tritiya Customs & Celebrations

This holiday is marked by many traditions and celebrations. On this day, devotees of the deity Vishnu often begin by fasting. They then distribute foodstuffs and clothes to the poor. Commonly distributed items include vegetables, fruits, salt, rice, and ghee. Water infused with Holy Basil—also known as Tulsi—is sprinkled around to symbolize Lord Vishnu.
The day is also when many people purchase gold and gold products such as jewelry. Gold symbolizes wealth and prosperity, and buying it on this day is considered pious. To increase the auspiciousness of future endeavors, people often choose to undertake important tasks on this day, such as planning a long journey or getting married.
It is also an auspicious day to begin construction or plan business ventures. Being born on this day is considered very fortunate. For those in East India, it is an optimal day to start sowing for the upcoming season. Other traditions followed on Akshaya Tritiya include bathing in the Ganges River, meditating, offering barley into a sacred fire, and chanting holy mantras.