In our country, numerous festivals are celebrated throughout the year; for this reason, India is often referred to as the “Land of Festivals.” Among the major festivals observed by followers of Hinduism, Akshaya Tritiya—also known as *Akha Teej*—holds a prominent place. Akshaya Tritiya is regarded as one of the most sacred and auspicious days celebrated by Hindus across the entire nation. It is widely believed that any undertaking initiated on this day is destined to reach a successful and complete conclusion. This festival falls annually on the *Tritiya* (third day) of the *Shukla Paksha* (waxing phase of the moon) during the month of *Vaishakh*. This year, Akshaya Tritiya falls on April 22.
Akshaya Tritiya is considered an *Abujh Muhurat*—an inherently auspicious time—for weddings. This is because, on this specific day, one need not consult an almanac or seek a specific *muhurat* (auspicious time) to perform propitious ceremonies. Consequently, a vast number of weddings take place on Akshaya Tritiya. The festival of Akshaya Tritiya marks the transitional phase between the spring and summer seasons. On this auspicious date, rituals such as bathing in the holy Ganges, performing *Tarpan* (ancestral rites involving sesame seeds and water), and offering *Pind-daan* (ritual food offerings to ancestors) are performed with profound faith, yielding eternal and inexhaustible spiritual rewards. This date is classified as one of the *Yugadi Tithis* (dates marking the commencement of cosmic epochs), as the *Treta Yuga* is believed to have begun on this very day, immediately following the conclusion of the *Satya Yuga*.
It is believed that on this day, Lord Vishnu incarnated in the form of Lord Parashurama; hence, this day is celebrated as *Parashurama Jayanti*. According to legend, it was on the day of *Akha Teej* that King Bhagiratha successfully brought the holy River Ganges down to Earth. On Akshaya Tritiya, devotees offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and his divine consort, Goddess Lakshmi. Furthermore, the birth anniversary of Goddess Annapurna is also celebrated on the day of *Akha Teej*. This was also the day when Lord Krishna, in a magnificent act of generosity, bestowed all his wealth and good fortune upon his impoverished childhood friend, Sudama. Finally, it was on Akshaya Tritiya that the revered sage Ved Vyasa commenced the monumental task of composing the *Mahabharata*. According to the Puranas, this day marks the beginning of the Treta Yuga—the second of the four epochs, or *Yugas*, of human history.
Akshaya Tritiya is observed on the *Tritiya Tithi* (the third lunar day) of the *Shukla Paksha* (waxing phase of the moon) during the month of Vaishakh. According to Hindu scriptures and Puranas, there exists a cycle of four epochs known as the Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dwapara Yuga, and Kali Yuga. On the day of Akshaya Tritiya, the Satya Yuga—often described as the “Golden Age” of human existence—concludes, and the Treta Yuga commences. Consequently, Akshaya Tritiya is also referred to as *Yugadi Tithi* (the inception of an epoch). This day holds immense significance for Hindu families.
The word *Akshaya* signifies that which can never be erased or diminished. In Sanskrit, *Akshaya* connotes prosperity, hope, happiness, and success, while *Tritiya* denotes the third phase of the moon. The festival is named after the third lunar day of Vaishakh—the spring month—in the Hindu calendar. In common parlance, this festival is also known as *Akhatij*—a name that, too, implies that which is everlasting. Therefore, this day is considered the most auspicious occasion for making purchases. Since the word “Akshaya” implies that which never ends, it is believed that the spiritual merit (*Punya*) derived from all virtuous acts performed on this day—such as chanting (*Japa*), sacrificial rituals (*Yajna*), and acts of charity (*Daan*)—remains inexhaustible. It is held that Akshaya Tritiya facilitates the attainment of eternal happiness and prosperity for an individual; indeed, one can never perform enough meritorious deeds on this day.
In Jainism, Akshaya Tritiya is a significant date, considered particularly auspicious for performing acts of charity and meritorious deeds. On this day, Lord Rishabhdev (the first Tirthankara) broke his one-year-long fast by consuming sugarcane juice; consequently, this day is celebrated as Akshaya Tritiya.
While one may worship any deity on Akshaya Tritiya, it is customary to specifically offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Kubera—the God of Wealth—on this occasion.
As with other festivals, lamps are lit during this celebration. Acts of benevolence performed on this day are believed to pave the way for a happy and fulfilling life. For this reason, people often feed the poor and extend assistance to those in need on this day.
It is believed that the meritorious deeds performed on this day secure a place for us in heaven. Many people observe an all-night vigil (Jagran), perform *Havan* (sacred fire rituals), and give alms to the poor on this day. Many also choose this day—specifically at an astrologically auspicious moment (*Muhurat*)—to formally enter their new homes. Akshaya Tritiya also holds immense mythological significance. It is believed that the *Satya Yuga* and *Treta Yuga* commenced on this very day. Furthermore, the conclusion of the *Dvapara Yuga* and the end of the Mahabharata War are also said to have occurred on this date.
This date holds varying degrees of significance across different parts of the country; for instance, in Odisha and Punjab, it is closely associated with the prosperity of farmers, whereas in Bengal, it is customary to worship Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi on this day.
Despite being such a sacred festival, the prevalence of child marriages—which occur in large numbers on this day—diminishes the true significance of the occasion.
Mistakenly viewing it as an inherently auspicious and universally suitable day for weddings (*Abujh Muhurat*), a large number of people arrange the marriages of their underage children on this date. Consequently, the administration is often compelled to implement special measures to prevent the marriage of minors on this day. In several states—including Rajasthan—Akshaya Tritiya has unfortunately acquired a notorious reputation due to its association with child marriage. In this era of progress and development, child marriage remains a festering social malady. Nationwide campaigns are currently underway to ensure that every citizen receives an education, and concerted efforts are being made to provide access to quality healthcare facilities for all. Against this backdrop, the persistence of child marriage stands as a shameful blot upon the face of society. Every year on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya (Akha Teej), thousands of child marriages are solemnized across the country. Despite numerous efforts, the pernicious practice of child marriage continues to persist in our nation. Even with the launch of campaigns such as ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ (Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter) in India, underage girls are still being forcibly married off. Child marriage is a scourge upon humanity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi champions the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ slogan at every forum. Girls are indeed receiving an education across all states of the country.
In this context, society must step forward and actively strive to prevent the child marriages of young girls. To uphold the sanctity of such an auspicious day, society must put an end to the social evils associated with it, thereby sending a positive message. Only then will the true significance of this day be preserved.
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