Joy of giving

Every year, the occasion of Akshay Tritiya brings in new joy. This festival has something different to offer with new fashion trends in its bucket list.

Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Tij has utmost importance in the life of people from Hindu and Jain religions. In Sanskrit, Akshaya stands imperishable and Tritiya denotes the number ‘3’. Therefore this occasion is celebrated on the third tithi (date) of Shukla Paksha of Vaisakha month.

There are number of stories on the history of this occasion. For Hindus, this festival is celebrated as a birthday of Lord Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.  It is also believed that on this day, Ved Vyas and Lord Ganesha and started writing Mahabharata. Also, according to Hindu mythology, Akshaya Tritiya marks the beginning of Treta Yuga.

In Jainism, this day, also known as Varshi Tapa is celebrated to commemorate Tirthankara’s (Rishabhanatha) ending his one-year asceticism and consuming sugarcane juice poured into his cupped hands. There are many ways to celebrate this festival.

Yellow metal shines
It is considered auspicious to buy jewelry on this day. While heading to buy jewelry, most of us are prepared with the impromptu checklist to get the best deal. Many big and small jewelers have come up with new collections like Swayahm’ - An enchanting range of Gold and studded jewelry from Tanishq, Similarly, Caratlane also came with its collections Aaranya - a collection inspired by the artistic pattern. Other like PC Chandra, Senko, Reliance are not far behind either. Despite the fact the yellow metal trades at its peak on this day, people swarm in to buy gold. The latest trend which is creating buzz is animal motif jewellery. Although some international brands have already worked in this theme but in India is gradually evolving. Designer Megha Malik has presented various animal motif jewelry framed in rings, bracelets, earrings and pendants.

Buying vehicles
It is believed that this festival ensures blessings and longevity with safe commutation. Hence, many automobile companies offer huge discounts on vehicles. Earlier there was a tradition to buy cows, horse and bullock carts as those were the mode of transportation then.

Starting a new business
To start a new venture, Akshay Tritiya is the best time.  Since the day is considered auspicious for any new beginnings the business started on the day will for sure flourish and thrive.

Mohan Kakkar who inaugurated his second shop shares how the day always brings in more wealth to his family. “Every year we donate as it brings in more blessings,” he says.

Buying homes
Buying a house or any form of property is a profitable asset as real estate provides high returns over a period of time. This festival is believed to be an auspicious day to invest in a house or any property. During this period real estate sector comes up with a number of deals to attract customers. While some offer gold coins, others offer cars on purchase of a house

Oblation & Charity
Akshaya Tritiya is the auspicious day to offer oblations to your departed forefathers to save them from sufferings due to various types of sinful reactions. Many spent their day indulging in charity with a belief that Akshaya Tritiya will make their good deeds imperishable. Says M Veera, former deputy director Tourism " If you donate something, that thing will come as a return to you, that is the believe and has been taught in the Veda. I give importance to education, so in past 15 years, I buy books and notebooks and give them to school children.”