Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej, is one of the most auspicious festivals celebrated in Odisha. It blends deep spiritual beliefs, cultural traditions, and agricultural rituals, making it both a sacred and practical occasion for the people of the state.
What Does Akshaya Tritiya Mean?
The word Akshaya in Sanskrit means “never diminishing” or “eternal”, and Tritiya means “third”, referring to the third day of the Hindu month of Baisakha (April–May). This day is believed to be so holy that anything started on Akshaya Tritiya will continue to grow and bring success, whether it’s wealth, good deeds, or blessings.
Why Do People Buy Gold on Akshaya Tritiya?
On this day, it is customary to buy gold or other precious items, as they are believed to bring unending prosperity. The belief is that buying gold on Akshaya Tritiya invites Goddess Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth) into one’s home. As a result, jewellery shops across Odisha—and indeed India—see a massive surge in sales.
But the celebration is not just about material gain. It’s also a time to celebrate inner prosperity, spiritual abundance, and hope for a better future.
Mythological Legends Behind Akshaya Tritiya
The Story of Sudama and Lord Krishna
One of the most touching tales linked to Akshaya Tritiya is that of Sudama, a poor Brahmin and childhood friend of Lord Krishna.
Sudama, despite being very poor, visited Krishna and humbly offered a small bundle of beaten rice (poha) as a gift. Lord Krishna, deeply moved by his friend’s gesture, blessed Sudama with immense riches and prosperity. It’s believed that this act of generosity and divine reward happened on Akshaya Tritiya, symbolizing the value of sincere devotion and selfless giving.
The Pandavas and the Akshaya Patra
Another tale comes from the epic Mahabharata. During their exile, the Pandavas struggled with hunger. Seeing their hardship, Lord Krishna gave them the Akshaya Patra—a magical vessel that would never run out of food.
This divine gift ensured that the Pandavas and Draupadi would never go hungry, no matter where they were. The vessel is a powerful symbol of divine abundance, faith, and support in adversity.
Akshaya Tritiya in Odisha: Where Farming Meets Faith
In Odisha, Akshaya Tritiya holds extra importance because it marks the start of the agricultural season. Farmers across the state celebrate it by performing a traditional ritual called ‘Akhi Muthi Anukula’, which means “the ceremonial sowing of seeds.”
Akhi Muthi Anukula: Beginning of Farming Season
- Farmers wear new clothes and carry a decorated basket of seeds.
- They offer the seeds to Goddess Lakshmi, praying for a good harvest.
- Then, they sow a handful of seeds into the soil to mark the symbolic beginning of cultivation.
This day is so vital to Odisha’s culture that it is also observed as State-Level Farmers’ Day, honouring the hard work of the agricultural community.
Spiritual Events That Begin on Akshaya Tritiya
Chandan Yatra Begins
The famous Chandan Yatra of Lord Jagannath starts on this day. It is a 21-day festival where deities are taken out on beautifully decorated boats for a cooling sandalwood paste bath during the summer heat.
Ratha Yatra Chariot Construction Starts
The construction of the majestic chariots for Lord Jagannath’s Ratha Yatra in Puri also begins on Akshaya Tritiya. This marks the official start of preparations for one of the most celebrated festivals in Odisha.
The Deeper Message of Akshaya Tritiya
Akshaya Tritiya isn’t just about rituals or prosperity. At its heart, it teaches us that:
- Sincerity is always rewarded, just like Sudama’s humble offering.
- Faith and devotion can overcome hardship, as seen with the Pandavas.
- Generosity and gratitude invite blessings that last forever.
- The day stands as a reminder of hope, eternal abundance, and divine grace, especially during difficult times.
