Akshaya Tritiya: A Celebration of Prosperity Across Maharashtra, Odisha, and Telugu States

Akshaya Tritiya, one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar, is celebrated with unique traditions across India. While the essence of prosperity and new beginnings remains universal, Maharashtra, Odisha, and the Telugu states bring their own cultural flavors to this sacred day.  

 

In Maharashtra, Akshaya Tritiya is deeply rooted in the spirit of new ventures and familial bonds. Farmers begin sowing seeds for the upcoming monsoon season, symbolizing hope for a bountiful harvest. Families purchase gold and household items, believing that anything bought on this day will bring good fortune. A heartwarming tradition involves inviting newly married daughters to their maternal homes, where special dishes like Shrikhand-Puri are prepared to mark the occasion.  

 

Odisha celebrates Akshaya Tritiya with the ceremonial sowing of seeds, known as Akhi Muthi Anukula. Farmers offer the first handful of rice seeds to the gods, seeking blessings for a prosperous agricultural season. In Puri, the day marks the beginning of the construction of the Rathas for Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra, a grand religious procession. Devotees also participate in Chandan Yatra, where deities are taken on ceremonial boat rides, adding a spiritual dimension to the festivities.  

 

In the Telugu states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Parasurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu. Temples dedicated to Parasurama perform special rituals, and families begin their agricultural activities after offering prayers to the land and deities. The day is also considered ideal for starting educational journeys and new ventures, reflecting the spirit of growth and renewal.  

 

Akshaya Tritiya continues to unite diverse communities in India through its universal message of prosperity, hope, and spiritual well-being. Each region’s unique traditions add to the richness of this timeless celebration.  

 

Sources: Outlook India, News18 Marathi, Prokerala