Akshaya Tritya, as seen through different historical narratives

Noted for its different colors of celebration, Akshaya Tritya harbors countless opportunities for the beginning of new ventures and businesses. On this day, people perform diverse sets of pujas and make various offering to the gods. While people in some parts of the country worship cows, there are some who turn to elephants and horses to be bestowed with wealth, luck and prosperity.

While different cultural groups approach Akshaya Tritya differently, it is a standard practice in most families where women buy jewelry and wear it. The gold and silver bought on the day are seen to reflect good luck and fortune, thus blessing the one who has bought it along with their families.

Akshaya Tritya, along with it, brings an exciting chapter from the realm of Indian History and mythology. It is widely believed that is the day when Lord Kubera was blessed with all his wealth and also assigned the position from which he guarded the wealth of Goddess Lakshmi. For this very reason, people all over the country offer their prayers to these gods.

Along with Goddess Lakshmi, it is fondly believed that Akshaya Tritya marks the birthday of Lord Parasurama, who also happened to be the sixth reincarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu, hailed as a preserver and the member of Holy Trinity, is also remembered in many prayers.

Another historical perspective that attaches itself to Akshaya Tritya is that of Mahabharata. Admired Hindu Epic, Mahabharata, was about the quarrel between the two cousins, Pandavas and Kaurvas. It is believed that on the day of Akshaya Tritya, Pandavas unearthed a significant weapon from the Earth, which proved instrumental in the defeat of the Kaurvas. Also, when Pandavas were in exile during Mahabharata, Lord Krishna blessed Draupadi with a bowl called Akshaya Pathram. Facing immense hardships due to the lack of resources at that point, Draupadi was given a bowl in which food never finished, thus making the food in it eternal, and helping her through her crisis.

It is also believed that any donation made on the day of Akshaya Tritya is a donation made to humanity. As noticed, on Akshaya Tritya, many people turn to donations and charitable work in temples and other social places. Another story that links to the history of Akshaya Tritya is that of Lord Krishna and Sudama. Lord Krishna was blessed with all the riches of the earth and had his abode in a magnificent palace. However, his friend, Sudama, was lacking any resources, and hence once approached his friend for financial assistance with nothing but a bowl of boiled rice.

On seeing Sudama, Lord Krishna greeted him with happiness and relished the bowl of rice he had bought for him. Sudama, clearly surprised, returned without asking for any financial support or help. However, on returning, much to his aw, his small hut had transformed into a gigantic palace, thoroughly beautiful and wide.

So, as we see, Akshaya Tritya is fixed in the India population through countless stories and mythical tales. The cultural shades of the country complement the various historical perspectives linked to the festival. Akshaya Tritya, by far, is a celebration of the people, and by the people.