Why in News?
Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej, is recently in the news because it is being celebrated today, Monday, April 20, 2026, as the final day of the festival's auspicious window.
About
- Final Auspicious Hours: The festival's primary celebrations took place on April 19, but the auspicious period officially ends today, April 20, at 7:27 AM.
- Regional Bank Holiday: Banks in Karnataka are closed today, April 20, for both Basava Jayanti and Akshaya Tritiya.
- Gold Market Activity: Gold prices remain a major topic as the record-high demand from the festival surge stabilises in major Indian cities.
- Temple Events: Major shrines like Badrinath typically open their doors around this time, and the construction of chariots for the Puri Rath Yatra officially begins.
Spiritual & Mythological Roots
- Birth of Parashurama: Believed to be the birthday of the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu.
- Descent of Ganga: The day the holy Ganges River descended from heaven to Earth.
- Beginning of Eras: Traditionally marks the start of the Treta Yuga.
- Mahabharata: It is said that Sage Vyasa began reciting the epic to Lord Ganesha on this day.
- Akshaya Patra: The day Lord Krishna gifted Draupadi the magical bowl that provided unlimited food.
- Sudama's Blessing: The day Sudama visited Krishna and was blessed with unexpected, endless wealth.
Rituals & Traditions
- Investments: Buying gold, silver, or property is highly popular, as anything acquired today is believed to grow forever.
- Charity (Daan): Giving food, water, or clothes to the needy is considered a way to earn "Akshaya Punya" (eternal merit).
- Jainism Significance: Commemorates Lord Rishabhdev ending his year-long fast by consuming sugarcane juice.
- New Beginnings: Considered a Swayam Siddha Muhurta, meaning the entire day is auspicious for marriages, housewarmings, or starting new businesses without needing to consult a priest.
Regional Celebrations
- Odisha: Farmers perform Akhi Muthi Anukula, ceremonially sowing paddy seeds.
- Vrindavan: The only day of the year when devotees can have Charan Darshan (viewing the feet) of the deity at the Banke Bihari Temple.
- Uttarakhand: The gates of the Yamunotri and Gangotri temples are opened for pilgrims.
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