Akshaya Tritiya 2026 – Date, Rituals, Legends

 

Date & Calendar

• Date (Gregorian): Sunday, April 19, 2026
• Hindu Calendar: Shukla Paksha Tritiya, Vaisakha month
• Also known as Akha Teej or Akti.
• Astrologically, on this day the Sun and Moon shine at their brightest, making it one of the most auspicious days of the year.

Significance

• Hindu Belief: Akshaya Tritiya marks the beginning of Treta Yuga. Rites performed on this day are believed to be everlasting (Akshaya = imperishable).
• Jain Belief: Lord Rishabhadeva (Adinath), the first Tirthankara, received his first food offering (aahaar) after a year‑long fast.
• Astrological Importance: Sun, Moon, and Venus are in their most radiant positions, symbolizing prosperity and cosmic harmony.

Rituals & Observances

• Hindu Traditions:
• Worship of Lord Vishnu, Krishna, and Goddess Lakshmi.
• Holy bath in the Ganges.
• Charity: rice, salt, ghee, clothes, and food distributed to the poor.
• Buying gold and starting new ventures is considered highly auspicious.
• Farmers in Eastern India begin ploughing for the new harvest season.
• Businessmen in Bengal perform Halkhata (opening new account books).

Legends Associated with Akshaya Tritiya

• Mahabharata: Lord Ganesha and Ved Vyasa began writing the epic.
• Parashurama Jayanti: Birth anniversary of Lord Parashurama, sixth avatar of Vishnu.
• Goddess Annapurna: Born on this day.
• Krishna & Sudama: Lord Krishna blessed Sudama with wealth.
• Akshaya Patra: Krishna gifted the Pandavas a vessel of endless food.
• River Ganga: Descended to Earth.
• Kubera: Became treasurer of the gods after worshipping Lakshmi.

Regional Practices

• North India: Vishnu worship, charity, gold purchase.
• Eastern India (Bengal, Odisha): Halkhata rituals, ploughing festival.
• South India: Vishnu and Krishna temples hold special pujas.