Akshaya Tritiya 2013 in Odisha

Akshyaya Trutiya is exclusively an agricultural festival celebrated on the third day of the Hindu year throughout Odisha. On this day the farmer ceremonially starts sowing seeds in the field, especially paddy. Early in the morning, farmers in their respective homes arrange the materials for the ritual. After taking ablution in a river or tank they wear new clothes and carry the seeds in new baskets. In the field offerings are made to Lakshmi, the ‘Goddess of wealth’, which the farmers do it themselves. Then they sow seeds ceremonially praying the Goddess for a rich bumper crop. In the evening feasts (strictly vegetarian) are arranged in respective homes.

Akshaya Tritiya will be observed on 13th May 2013.

In western Orissa, this festival is called ‘Muthi Chhuan’. Eating of green leaves (‘Shag’) is forbidden for the day. It is observed by all farmers irrespective of their caste and creed.

The famous Chandan Yatra of Lord Jagannath, which is observed in various other shrines of Orissa starts from this day. Moreover, from this auspicious day the carpenters start building the cars (‘Ratha’) of Lord Jagannath, Balabadra and Subhadra.

The word Akshaya, is a Sanskrit word, literally means one that never diminishes, and the day is believed to bring good luck and success. It is widely celebrated in all parts of India by different sections of the society irrespective of their religious faith and social grouping.

The day is particularly considered auspicious for buying long term assets like gold and silver, including ornaments made of the same; diamond and other precious stones; and the real estate. The legend states that any venture initiated on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya shall continue to grow and bring prosperity.

Hence, it is normal to see many of the new ventures, like starting a business, ground breaking for construction etc on the Akshaya Tritiya Day.

According to Hinduism, Akshay Tritiiya was the day when Ganesha, the god of wisdom and obstacle removal, started writing the epic Mahabharata to Ved Vyas’s dictation.

It was also on this day that Goddess Annapoorna devi was born.

Kubera received his wealth and position as custodian of wealth and property along with Goddess Lakshmi on this day, by praying to Lord Shiva at Shivapuram.

It is also traditionally observed as the birthday of Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of god Vishnu. The Puranic scriptures speak about how he reclaimed the land from the sea.