Introduction
Immediately after the excitement of the New Year in Nepali society there follows the next great festival in the month of Baishakh – known as Akshaya Tritiya. This festival is celebrated with the exuberance on the Tritiya tithi (Tithi is a Sanskrit word which means a day in a lunar calendar of Hindus. Out of 30 days, there are16 tithis by name in one month. Normally, one day is considered as one tithi according to lunar-Hindu calendar based on the waxing and waning of moon) of the waxing moon period of Baishakh. This festival is celebrated according to lunar calendar. Generally, this festival falls during mid spring season, which normally means the first week of Baishakh month of Nepalese calendar.
Meaning
The meaning of ‘Akshaya’ is Imperishable. The word “Kshaya” means something that depreciates or perishes. The prefix ‘A’ changes the whole word to the opposite meaning. This is how the word ‘Akshaya’ means never ending, never diminishing or imperishable. It is believed that all the sacred deeds including chants- penance, worship- homage, oblation-religious sacrifice, offerings- fasting performed on this ‘tithi’ remain forever on our account of our good Karmas. The words ‘Tritiya’ means the third day of the waxing moon period. This is after what the day is named as “Akshaya Tritiya”.
Beginning of Treta-Yug
According to Hindu belief / accreditation, there are four main ages/generations from the creation of Universe to the destruction of Universe (Existence of the entire universe). These four basic divisions are known as Yug (Era) .The first Yug is ‘Satyayug’ , second is ‘Tretayug’ , third is ‘Dwaparyug’ and forth or the last Yug is ‘Kaliyug’. The total time period of Tretayug is believed to be 12,96,000 years. In this Yug there was magnificent incarnation of Lord Ram. On the basis of incidents of his life Sanskrit epic ‘Ramayan’ was created. It is believed that Treta Yug was started from the same Tritiya tithi which has added the greatness to this festival.
Birth celebration of Sage Parashuram
Akshaya Tritiya is also celebrated as the birthday fiesta of the Sage Parashuram, who is the sixth incarnation of Lord Bishnu. Lord Bishnu is known as the preserver of the whole universe. Puranas (an hindu ancient scriptures written in Sanskrit which contain stories of Hindu gods) justify that the sage used to carry axe (Parashu) with him, for what he was named as ‘Parashuram’. The incarnation of Parashuram is also known as one among the Ashta Chirinjibi. In Hindu mythology, it is said that there is a group of eight immortals (Astha Chiranjibi).

Naranarayan and Hayagreev Incarnation
‘Nara’ is said to refer to ‘Arjun’ and ‘Narayan’ to ‘Krishna’ or ‘Bishnu’. Typically, they are considered as one but Puranas have explained them as two personalities. Naranarayan is popular as an exalted devotee whereas, Hayagreev is also known as one of the incarnations of Bishnu among his twenty-four incarnations. It is accredited that his advent was on this auspicious day. This has glorified this festival furthermore.
Related story
According to the Puranas, Yudhisthira from ancient period showed his curious to Krishna to know about the importance of Akshaya Tritiya. Krishna, while clarifying him explained this day as a holy day. He also said that it is auspicious to conduct chant, penance, gratification, homage, offerings etc on this day so suggested for these.
Similarly, there is another story connected to this festival. Once, there was a destitute man. He was anxious due to his financial problems. During this situation somebody suggested him to take fasting on Akshaya Tritiya. After this, he took fasting with proper procedures. The same man then became the king of Kushawati in his next life.

Fasting Procedures
‘Lord Bishnu’ is specially worshipped in Akshaya tritiya as this festival is mainly connected with lord Bishnu. Lord Bishnu flaunts yellow cloths (Pitambar), so yellow things have more significance in offerings. Taking shower in the nearby sanctified river (Ganga), reservoir and wearing yellow attire in the early morning is the first thing to do in this fasting. If rivers are not available one can shower in his home as well. Holy water, basil leaves- water and yellow flowers are offered during ritualistic worship. Devotees take yellow seat and recite hymn praising lord Bishnu along with intensifying light. On this day, Bishnu Sahasra Nam (Bishnu Saharsha Nam is a Sanskrit hindu book that consists of 142 Slokas. Except 13 verses at the beginning and 22 verses at the end, all remaining 107 verses contain thousand names of Lord Bishnu) and Bishnu Chalisha ( Bishnu Chalisha is a prayer in Hinduism that consists forty verses in praise of Lord Bishnu) are recited in various places. At the end, the prayers of Lord Bishnu are made. It is believed that it is benevolent to offer food and gifts to the needy.
Tradition
Number of devotees who are on fasting visit pilgrimages during this festival. Odes of lord Bishnu are recited in most of Bishnu Temples. Those who are not able to take fasting for a whole day have their lunch after homage and prayers in the morning. It is believed that buying gold and gold related things is very beneficial. These are believed never to be stolen, perished and remain as prosperous treasury. Many volunteers are available on the roadside to distribute Sarbat (Juice made by mixing lemon, sugar and water) and Satu (Satu is the dry powder that is prepared by mixing ground pulses and cereals) to the pedestrians. This is one of the prominences of this festival as Juice and Satu is very refreshing during increasing temperature.
Epilogue
Akshaya Tritiya has been established as one of the special festivals among the Hindus. This day has been magnificent as this festival is associated with the various incarnations of Preserver of the Universe, Lord Bishnu. It is also believed to be the beginning of Treta Yug.This festival has s its accepted cultural significance as it is celebrated in many countries including Nepal with reverential belief.