Akshaya Tritiya is a popular festival celebrated across India. In Odisha, the festival is observed with great enthusiasm and is regarded as one of the most auspicious days of the year.
Akshaya Tritiya is a significant festival, particularly in Hinduism and Jainism. The word ‘Akshaya’ means ‘eternal’ or ‘never diminishing,’ while ‘Tritiya’ means ‘third day.’ It is celebrated on the third day of the bright half of the lunar month of Vaishakha, which falls in April or May.
The significance of Akshaya Tritiya can be traced back to Hindu mythology. According to legends, on this day, Lord Vishnu’s sixth avatar, Parashurama, was born. It is also believed that on this day, Lord Ganesha and Ved Vyasa began writing the great Indian epic, Mahabharata.
The festival holds great significance in Odisha as it is believed that any venture initiated on this day will bring prosperity and success. It is a popular day for marriages, housewarming ceremonies, and buying gold and other precious items. People believe that buying gold on this day will bring them good fortune and wealth in the coming years.
In many parts of the state, people celebrate the festival by preparing special dishes such as ‘pitha’ — dishes made of rice flour and jaggery — that are offered to the deity. The dishes are also distributed among friends, family, and neighbours.
The festival is also associated with the agricultural community in Odisha. Farmers offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, for a good harvest and abundant rainfall. The day marks the beginning of the agricultural season in the state, and farmers start sowing seeds on this day.
In Jainism, Akshaya Tritiya holds a significant place as it is believed to be the day when Lord Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankara, broke his year-long fast by consuming sugarcane juice. The day is celebrated as the day of non-violence, and Jains offer prayers and perform acts of charity on this day.
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