When is Akshaya Tritiya 2024? Date, Story, History, Significance and all you need to Know about Akshaya Tritiya

The prosperous Hindu festival of Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated in the Hindu month of Vaisakha which usually falls in May according to the Gregorian Calendar.
Also known in some regions as Akti or Akha Teej, Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated by all Hindu families, across the globe, for it is a mark of new beginning and inviting prosperity into your life and in your homes.

This year, in 2024, Akshaya Tritiya falls on and will be celebrated on Friday, May 10.
According to Drik Panchang, “Akshaya Tritiya Puja Muhurat is from 05:33 AM to 12:18 PM.”
The timing during which Gold should be bought is also mentioned by the Drik Panchang. According to that, “Akshaya Tritiya Gold Purchase Timings - 05:33 AM to 02:50 AM, May 11”.

The history, story, and legends behind celebrating Akshaya Tritiya have been told of mothers and grandmothers for centuries now. And one of the most popular stories that tells why people celebrate Akshaya Tritiya is that of Shri Krishna and his friend Sudama.

Legends say that when Sudama, who was poor by finances, visited Krishna, who was rich and well-endowed, he offered him a bag of rice as some ‘bheth’ or offering. Shri Krishna, being a God, knew Sudama’s condition and was surprised by his generosity. A man who did not have enough to eat for himself and his family had brought an offering for his old friend.
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Seeing this, Shri Krishna was filled with joy and respect for his dear friend. It is said that then on every morsel of rice that Krishna ate with Sudama, Sudama and his family gained something in return. Sudama was then bestowed with wealth, prosperity, money and riches.
And so, now that day is celebrated in the form of Akshaya Tritiya which is all about prosperity, happiness, compassion, and abundance.
Another story, which is not so popular but still believed by many people is about the time when Pandavas went on an exile. Some say that it was Shri Krishna who gave them an ‘Akshaya Patra’ and others say that it was actually Surya Dev who gave them the Patra.
According to popular lore, Pandavas received the divine Akshaya Patra, which was like a never-ending vessel of food from Lord Krishna on this day, through which the Gods made sure that the 5 brothers and their wife never face food scarcity when in the jungles or deserts.

For people who believe and work according to astrology, Akshaya Tritiya is of great importance. It is believed that the Sun and the Moon are in a more powerful positions during this time, which increases their energy and when people start a new business during this time, or buy some property, or invest in something material, or even just buy a little silver or gold, the profits and evenefits advance many folds owing to the energies in the atmosphere.
Hence, it is considered the perfect time for weddings, starting new businesses, purchasing gold, and doing spiritual activities.
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The celebrations that people do for Akshaya Tritiya vary across different regions of India. But, one thing that is common is buying gold or silver. The day of Akshaya Tritiya sees a rush in shops as people purchase gold jewellery, coins, or even utensils. It is common belief that any investment made on Akshaya Tritiya will help people get better returns in the future.
On this day, out of compassion and generosity, people also do charitable activities like donating food, clothes, and money to the needy. It is said that Akshaya Tritiya is not just for acquiring material, but also good karma and giving back to society.
For celebrations, temples are decorated with flowers, lights, and other decor, and devotees from all over visit the temple with their purchase to have it blessed by God and seek their blessings. And while it is not a very common practice, some people have also started fasting on Akshaya Tritiya and perform puja for Vishnu ji and Maa Lakshmi, the deities of wealth and prosperity.

On Akshaya Tritiya, it is very important to think carefully before you invest money on something. The choice of what you buy and what you don't does influence the energy of your purchase.
Traditionally, on Akshaya Tritiya, people purchase things that will continue to give them better returns. And the maximum purchases on Akshaya Tritiya come in the form of Gold. Gold coins, biscuits, necklaces, bracelets, and whatnot. Gold, being a symbol of wealth, is most preferred and also gives a sense of financial security to people.
Along with that, on this day people try to start something new that will bring them prosperity and happiness in the future. People tend to invest in gold, education, property, and the likes as the positive energies of the day are believed to ensure success and stability in these endeavours. People also buy things like religious books, murtis, new things for the home temples, etc.
And in the same way, there are also some things that should not be bought on this day. For example, people tend to skip taking out any loans or accumulating debt on Akshaya Tritiya, as these actions go against the spirit of the festival. Along with that, it is advised to not buy unnecessary luxuries during this day. Electronics, appliances, and other items that do not have a symbol of growth and can't help you to prosper in any way are usually not bought on this day.
So, before buying anything on Akshaya Tritiya, it is very important to be clear about what will serve the person well and what won't. Impulse buying an expensive video game wont give the same results as a well thought of investment would.