Akshaya Tritiya is one of the most auspicious days in Indian culture and is celebrated on the 3rd day of the moon’s growing phase in the month of Vaisakha. According to the Gregorian Calendar, Akshaya Tritaya will be held on the 7th of May in 2019.
In a gist, this auspicious day is dedicated to thanking the gods for the prosperity and good fortune you’ve received in the last year and is a day where you can pray for more of the same.
India has multiple festivals that run throughout the year. Each one of these festivals is devoted to a particular god, except one…. That is, Akshaya Tritiya. On this auspicious day, all gods can be prayed to in the hope of receiving their blessings. Akshaya Tritiya helps unify the Hindu population within the country as this festival isn’t about one god, it’s about all the gods and what they’ve done for us in life.
So now that the introduction is out of the way, let’s take a look at what to do on Akshaya Tritiya.
• Buying Gold On Akshaya Tritiya
Seen as a form of Mahalaxmi, gold is considered to be a stable depiction of wealth as it can’t be spent as easily as cash. Bringing home gold on Akshaya Tritiya is considered to be extremely auspicious as gold brought home on Akshaya Tritiya is said to turn into a form of eternal wealth. Gold bought on this day is also said to attract other forms of revenue into your life. Thus, setting up your family for a life of financial stability.
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• Buying A Car On Akshaya Tritiya
Back in ancient times, people would buy horses, cows and bullock carts on Askhaya Tritiya to use as a mode of transport. Buying a mode of transport on this day is said to ensure the longevity of the means of transport you’ve purchased. So, if you’re looking to buy a car, bike or scooter, wait for Akshaya Tritiya to do so. You might even find brands offering reasonable discounts for the same as they know people are more inclined to make such purchases on Akshaya Tritiya.
• Akshaya Tritiya Puja
Like with any other festival in India, it is crucial to conduct the appropriate prayers and ceremonies as this is what shows your devotion to the gods. It’s important to follow the Akshaya Tritiya Puja Vidhis as that could be the difference between your message being sent to your god or your message getting lost in transit.
One must glorify the supreme lord who appeared as Parasurama, recite the 18 chapters of the Bhagvat Gita and perform the Sraddha ceremony on this holy day.
Any other prayers that are specific to the god you and your family show devotion to can also be recited as this is a festival for all that’s holy. Just remember to conduct all your prayers following the puja viddhis.
• Donations On Akshaya Tritiya
While it is considered a holy day to buy gold and cars, the benefit of that is not nearly as great as the benefit of donating wealth and food to the needy. Back in ancient times, people used to make such donations to the needy in hope of helping the needy and themselves through good karma.
NOTE: One should never expect anything in return either. If the donations are made in the hope that you will receive wealth or happiness by the gods, nothing of the sort will come your way. You must donate out of the goodness of your heart, otherwise the donations lose their significance in the eyes of the Lord.
Now, that you all know what to do on Akshaya Tritiya, let’s look at the best things to donate and the Akshaya Tritiya donation benefits that follow.
Best Things To Donate On Akshaya Tritiya And Their Benefits
NOTE: I’ll say it again; this should not be why you make the donations. Make the donations out of the goodness of your heart.
Udakumbha Daanam: This is probably the most auspicious donation you can make. The Udakumbha Daanam consists of water in a silver or bronze vessel along with saffron, tulsi leaves, betul nuts and camphor. It is considered to help marriages last longer and rid your spirit of the sins committed in your previous life. Some even say it helps conceive children with ease for those who are struggling.
Donating Water: It is said that giving water with betel nuts to brahmins in need will help you receive the blessings you need to obtain further wealth for yourself.
Kum Kum: Donate Kum Kum to under privileged women and it is said that your husband would receive blessings that will help him live long and healthy.
Clothes: Gifting clothes to those in need will give you the blessings of a long and healthy life. Plus, it’s the most thoughtful way for you to give away old clothes you don’t wear anymore.
Coconut: Giving coconuts or coconut water to the needy is said to help keep generations of your family safe from the depths of hell and all things evil.
Buttermilk: Donating buttermilk will give you the ability to obtain and retain knowledge better.
Chandan: Chandan or sandalwood can be given as donations. This is said to help one avoid accidents in life.
So, now that you know what to do on Akshaya Tritiya, it’s your job to ensure you spend your day, the way it should be spent. Conducting the rituals and traditions accordingly won’t just help you get the Akshaya Tritiya benefits for yourself, but also for those you helped through charity.
5 comments
I think western clothes should be okay too…it’s the intention that counts afterall, not the donation itself.
Considering all the other suggestions are very traditional, is it okay to donate western clothes? Or do they have to be Indian?
It depends on where you live. Try googling it, you should be able to find a few places that take donations in any shape or form
I have a lot of extra clothes that I’d love to donate but I don’t know where to give them….
Akshaya tritiya benefits are plentiful! I had no idea there was so much to be gained during this festival… Thanks for the post!