Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej, is a highly auspicious day in the Hindu and Jain calendars. It usually falls on the third day of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the lunar month of Vaisakha, which typically falls in late April or early May of the Gregorian calendar.

The word “Akshaya” in Sanskrit means “imperishable” or “eternal,” and “Tritiya” means “third.” It is believed that any venture initiated or valuable bought on this day will bring success, prosperity, and everlasting luck.

For Hindus, the day is sacred as it is believed to be the day when Lord Ganesha started writing the epic Mahabharata, as dictated by sage Veda Vyasa. It is also believed that the Treta Yuga began on this day. Furthermore, it’s said that the river Ganges descended to Earth on Akshaya Tritiya.

Many people choose this auspicious day to begin new ventures or make significant purchases, particularly of gold, as it is believed that buying gold on this day ensures unending prosperity. Many devotees also conduct special pujas (prayers) and charities on this day, as it’s thought that any charitable act performed on this day will be rewarded abundantly.

For Jains, Akshaya Tritiya commemorates the end of the one-year fast undertaken by Lord Adinatha, the first Jain Tirthankara. Jains celebrate this day by performing ceremonial bathing of the Tirthankara idols and conducting a special form of worship known as “Varshi-tapa.”

Despite the varied reasons behind the celebration of Akshaya Tritiya among different communities, the underlying theme remains the same: it is a day of unending (Akshaya) prosperity and auspicious beginnings.