Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej, is one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar. Falling on the third day of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the lunar month of Vaishakha, it is believed that anything started on this day brings unending prosperity and success. The word Akshaya means “never diminishing,” and devotees consider this day ideal for new beginnings, investments, and spiritual activities. Here are the rituals that are traditionally observed during this divine festival:

1. Ritual Bath with Gold-Charged Water

The day begins with a ritual bath before sunrise, symbolizing purification of the body and soul. It's common to add gold-charged water to bath water, invoking blessings and spiritual cleansing. There is a simple Vedic method to make gold-charged water, however, it is equally effective to just leave a gold coin in water overnight and use that water.

Traditional way to make gold-charged water:

• Boil 8 cups of water in a mud pot

• Add 24k pure gold into the water. This can be a gold coin or a clean piece of jewellery or even a tiny piece of pure gold.

• Boil the water it reduces to 1 cup

• Remove the gold and use the waterMantra:  Recite mantras like "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya" while bathing for an added spiritual boost.

2. Temple Visits and Puja at Home

Visiting a temple, especially one dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Goddess Lakshmi, is a key ritual. At home, devotees clean their puja space and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and prosperity and Lord Kubera, the treasurer of the godsOfferings:  Include tulsi leaves, yellow flowers, fruits, sweets (especially kheer or halwa), and coins.

3. Buying Gold and Precious Metals

Akshaya Tritiya is considered one of the most favorable days to buy gold or silver. It is believed that buying precious metals on this day brings endless prosperity and fortune into the household. In recent years, people also invest in property, stocks, or even start new business ventures to harness the auspicious energy of the day.

4. Charity and Donations

Charity (daan) is a core aspect of this festival. Offering food, clothes, and money to the poor or to a temple is believed to earn great spiritual merit. There are some specific items that are to be donated on Akshaya Tritiya, and these include grains or pulses, jaggery and salt. Clothes and utensils are also donated.

5. Akshaya Tritiya Lakshmi Kubera Puja

A special puja is performed in some households combining the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera to invoke wealth, abundance, and financial security. Ritual includes:

• Drawing the shree yantra or placing one in the puja altar

• Lighting ghee lamps

• Chanting Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali (108 names of Lakshmi)

• Offering sweets, flowers, and coins

6. Meditation and Fasting

Many observe a partial or full-day fast and dedicate the day to spiritual practices like:- Chanting mantras and doing japa (especially of the Gayatri mantra or Maha Mrityunjaya mantra)- Reading holy scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita or Vishnu Sahasranama- Meditation and introspection

7. Launching New Ventures

Whether it's launching a business, starting construction on a new home, or beginning a new job, Akshaya Tritiya is an ideal day to embark on new journeys. Weddings and naming ceremonies are also commonly held on this day without the need for consulting a separate muhurat (auspicious time).

Akshaya Tritiya is more than just a festival of wealth—it’s a celebration of spiritual richness, inner abundance, and timeless blessings. Whether you observe every traditional ritual or just a few, the intention behind your actions is what truly matters.