Devotees Throng UP Ghats for Akshaya Tritiya Holy Dip & Rituals

Celebrated across the country, Akshaya Tritiya holds immense significance in Hindu belief. Regarded as a Mahaparva (major festival), it falls on the third day (Tritiya) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Vaishakh. It is widely believed to be a day that brings unending prosperity and auspicious results. According to religious traditions, this day marks the beginning of all auspicious undertakings. People are also celebrating Akshaya Tritiya on April 20 in some parts of the country.

The day is also associated with the earthly manifestations of Lord Vishnu's incarnations, Nara-Narayana and Parashurama, making it spiritually significant for devotees. As per tradition, no auspicious ritual is considered complete without taking a holy dip in the Ganga River. Reflecting this belief, the ghats in Ghazipur were filled with devotees from early morning, all participating in ritual bathing and acts of charity.

In rural areas, several unique customs are observed on this day. Many devotees take vows (manotis) to offer sarees and food items such as puris to Maa Ganga. Women, in particular, were seen actively participating in these rituals, preparing puris and halwa at the ghats and offering sarees as a mark of devotion. The atmosphere was filled with spiritual fervour, devotional chants, and the essence of community participation.

Traditionally, Akshaya Tritiya is considered so auspicious that activities such as weddings, Griha Pravesh (housewarming ceremonies), shopping, and the commencement of new ventures can be undertaken without consulting a specific muhurat (timing). It is also believed that performing rituals like havan, worship, and daan (charity) on this day yields immense spiritual merit.

This belief has also contributed to a surge in market activity, especially in the purchase of gold and jewellery, a long-standing tradition associated with the festival. Markets across the region were seen decorated and bustling with customers, adding to the festive spirit.

A devotee, Shankar Pandey, shared that although there are three major Sankrantis (solar transitions) in a year, Akshaya Tritiya is also regarded as an equally significant and auspicious day. He said that many people consider it the ideal time to begin new ventures and make important life decisions.

It is also believed that after this day, the intensity of summer begins to rise. Keeping this in mind, devotees who take a holy dip in the Ganga also donate items that provide relief from the heat. Common offerings include earthen pots, hand-held fans, and other essential items, usually given to Brahmins as part of the tradition.

The festival of Akshaya Tritiya holds profound religious significance. According to mythological belief, the fruits of auspicious deeds performed on this day are Akshaya, meaning they are never-ending.

Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was born on this day; therefore, the Parashurama Jayanti is celebrated on this day. Furthermore, according to other legends, Akshaya Tritiya marked the beginning of the Treta Yuga, and during the Mahabharata period, the Pandavas received the Akshaya Patra on this day.

- IANS