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Akshaya Tritiya falls on April 26 .
Typical demand for gold during Akshaya Tritiya in India range from 20-25 tonnes, representing about 4 per cent of the country’s total annual consumption. That may not happen this year as sales may be considerably impacted.And its price is high.
The day has nothing to do with gold.It is a day for new beginnings,because, it was on this day Vyasa began dictating Mahabharata to Ganesha. This cultural tradition has been usurped by the yellow metal in recent times.
In Jainism, it commemorates the first Tirthankara’s (Rishabhdev) ending his one-year asceticism by consuming sugarcane juice poured into his cupped hands. Some Jains refer to the festival as Varshi Tapa. Fasting and ascetic austerities are marked by Jains, particularly at pilgrimage sites such as Palitana (Gujarat).
The day is considered auspicious by Hindus and Jains in many regions of India for new ventures, marriages, expensive investments such as in gold or other property, and any new beginnings.
It is also a day of remembrance for the loved ones who have died. The day is regionally significant for women, married or unmarried, who pray for the well being of the men in their lives or the one they may in future get engaged to. After prayers, they distribute germinating gram (sprouts), fresh fruits and Indian sweets.If the Akshaya Tritiya falls on a Monday (Rohini), the festival is believed to be even more auspicious.
Fasting, charity and helping others on this day is another festive practice.
A one anna coin issued by the British-Indian government depicting
Lord Rishabhdev
accepting sugarcane juice from King Shreyans
Akshaya Tritiya is believed in Hinduism to be the birthday of Parasurama who is the sixth incarnation of Vishnu, and he is revered in Vaishnava temples. Those who observe it in the honor of Parasurama sometimes refer to the festival as Parasurama Jayanti. Alternatively, some focus their reverence to Vāsudeva avatar of Vishnu.
According to one legend, Ved Vyasa began reciting the Hindu epic Mahabharata to Ganesha on Akshayya Tritiya. Another legend states that river Ganges descended to earth on this day.
Another significant event that is believed to have occurred on this day is that Sudama visited his childhood friend, Lord Krishna in Dwarka and received unlimited wealth. Also, it is believed that Kubera received his wealth and position as the ‘Lord of Wealth’ on this auspicious day. And it was on this day that Pandavas received the gift of ‘Akshaya Patra’ from Sun-God.
Kerala has revived the traditition of reciting Ramayana in Karkadakam.Likewise,it is better to read Mahabharata on Akshaya Tritiya day.
On this day people who observe the year-long alternative day fasting known as Varshi-tap finish their Tapasya by doing parana by drinking sugarcane juice.
In Odisha, it is the day when Hindus begin their annual construction of chariots for the Puri Rath Yatra festivities.
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