‘Akshayya Tritiya’ is a Hindu festival celebrated with an enthusiasm throughout India. This day is considered as auspicious in many regions for starting new ventures, marriages, investments such as in gold, property and any new beginnings.

In Sanskrit, the word “Akshayya” (अक्षय्य) means “imperishable, eternal, the never diminishing” in the sense of “prosperity, hope, joy, success”, while Tritiya means “third”. It is named after the “third lunar day” of the spring month of Vaishakha in the Hindu calendar. It is said that the sun and the moon become equally bright on this day.

As per Veda, the three lunar days Yugadi, Akshaya Tritiya and Vijaya Dashami do not need muhurta(specific time) to start any new ventures because each and every moment of this day is considered to be auspicious to perform any good deeds. These three days fall free from all malefic effects.

History of Akshayya Tritiya

According to mythology and ancient history, this day marks a lot of important incidents.

• It is believed that Lord Parashuram, ‘the sixth incarnation of Vishnu’ was born on this day.
• On this auspicious day “Mahabharata” the great epic was written by Ved, Vyas and Lord Ganesha.
• Goddess Annapurna was born.
• On this day, Lord Krishna bestowed wealth and monetary gains on his poor friend Sudama.
• On this day, according to the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna offered the ‘akshayya patra’ to the Pandavas while on their exile. He blessed them with this bowl that would continue to produce an unlimited amount of food that would never leave them hungry.
• On this day, the River Ganges descended from heaven on earth.
• On this day, Lord Kuber worshipped Goddess Lakshmi and thus, he was allotted to be treasurer of Gods.
• In Jainism, this day is celebrated to commemorate Lord Adinatha, their first God.

 

Rituals during Akshayya Tritiya

• Devotees of Vishnu worship the idol on this day by observing a daylong fast. Later, charity is done by distributing rice, salt, ghee, vegetables, fruits, and clothes to the poor. Tulsi water is sprinkled all around as a symbol of Lord Vishnu.
• The most common and followed ritual is that, many people buy gold and gold jewellery on this day. As gold is symbolic of good fortune and wealth, buying this is considered religious on this day.
• This day commences as the first ploughing day for the upcoming harvest season.
• Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi are been worshiped by the businessman. Also, they start a new audit book for their next financial year.
• People plan a wedding as it is considered to be one of the lucky days.
• On this day new business ventures, construction work, property related, investments are done.
• Other rituals include taking a holy bath in the Ganges, making donations, helping others are offered on this day.
• Jains complete their yearlong tapasya on this day and end their worship by drinking sugarcane juice.
• Performing spiritual activities, fasting meditation and chanting holy mantras is considered important to ensure good fortune in the future.
• Devotees of Lord Krishna embalm the idol with sandalwood paste on this day. It is believed that on doing so, the person is bound to reach heaven after death.

FOOD

On this auspicious day, I have prepared our traditional Maharashtrian delicacies to celebrate this special day of ‘Akshayya Tritiya’.

What is cooked?

• Main: Puri, Batata bhaji, Masale Bhat.
• Siders: kakdi chi koshimbir and Papad/kurdai.
• Dessert: Mango Shrikhand

Puri (Poori): It’s whole wheat flour, puffed up, deep fried flaky bread.

Batata bhaji (Aloo sabji): This is boiled potato, smashed and fried little spicy.

This is the best combination (puri ani batata bhaji).

Masale Bhat: A traditional aromatic long gram rice(basmati) spiced with various garam masala and added fresh veggies.

Kakdi chi Koshimbir (cucumber salad): A very delicious and easy recipe. It is basically served as an accompaniment along with masala bhat. Main ingredients are cucumber and curd for taste salt, sugar is added. Cucumber and curd being the anti-oxidant and coolant keeps stomach cool and helps to digest food.

Papad/kurdai(papadoms): These papadoms are made from udat dal which I have deep-fried. These are thin, crisp, disc shape food item. A traditional meal is incomplete without papad and kurdai.

Mango Amrakhand or Shrikhand: This is a delicious yogurt base Indian dessert. It is a   typical Maharashtrian sweet dish made from strained yogurt or hung curd, powdered sugar and added seasonal Mango fruit/pulp. To add more crunchy ness I have added crushed dry fruits & for color and aroma, I have added saffron.

We enjoyed our traditional meal.

 

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is solely my views of a place and food. This is not to offend any class, religion, ethnicity or nation. My views can change from time to time based on my latest experience. I am an independent owner of this site and the views expressed in this are my own. All photographs are owned by me.

Till Then,

Stay Happy and Enjoy!!!