What to Do and What Not to Do on Akshay Tritiya: In the Sanatan tradition, the *Tritiya* (third day) of the *Shukla Paksha* (waxing phase of the moon) during the month of *Vaishakh* is celebrated as Akshay Tritiya or *Akha Teej*. This year, this auspicious festival will be celebrated across the country with great reverence and enthusiasm on April 19th. According to religious beliefs, this day is considered exceptionally auspicious, particularly for the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth.

It is believed that if one performs worship on this day according to prescribed rituals, Goddess Lakshmi becomes pleased very quickly and showers her blessings upon her devotees. Doing so is said to alleviate life's hardships and fulfill one's heartfelt desires. Furthermore, the merits derived from religious acts, acts of charity, and worship performed on this specific date are believed to be inexhaustible—never diminishing over time. Therefore, understanding and adhering to the rules and traditions associated with this day is considered to yield particularly fruitful results.

**What to Do on Akshay Tritiya**

*   It is considered auspicious to wake up before sunrise on this day to take a bath and engage in meditation.

*   If possible, take a holy dip in the Ganges or any other sacred river; otherwise, add a few drops of holy Ganges water (*Gangajal*) to your bathwater at home before bathing.

*   Purchasing gold is considered auspicious; however, if that is not feasible, one may also purchase silver or other sacred items made of different metals.

*   Bringing items such as a *Shri Yantra*, a *Tulsi* (Holy Basil) plant, a conch shell (*Shankh*), or yellow cowrie shells (*Peeli Kaudi*) into the home is believed to enhance auspiciousness.

*   After bathing, one should definitely perform acts of charity—according to one's financial capacity—by donating items such as earthen pots, *Sattu* (roasted gram flour), water, fruits, honey, or clarified butter (*Ghee*).

*   Donating items that provide relief from the summer heat—such as fans, umbrellas, footwear, etc.—is considered to be particularly meritorious.

*   On this day, Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi should be worshipped together, following all prescribed rituals. Doing so is believed to bestow blessings of wealth and prosperity.

*   Akshay Tritiya is regarded as an *Abujh Muhurat* (an inherently auspicious time that requires no specific astrological calculation). Therefore, it is considered auspicious to initiate new ventures—such as weddings, *Griha Pravesh* (housewarming ceremonies), or the commencement of any new project—on this day without the need to consult a specific astrological *Muhurat* (auspicious timing).

**What Not to Do on Akshay Tritiya**

*   Sleeping past sunrise on this day is considered inauspicious; therefore, one should ensure to wake up on time.

*   One should refrain from activities such as cutting one's hair or shaving one's beard on this day. It is essential to abstain from *Tamasic* food and wrongful acts.

Lending money to anyone on this day is not considered auspicious; therefore, refrain from doing so.

Maintain an atmosphere of peace and love within the home; do not engage in arguments or disputes with anyone.

Do not leave the house in darkness; specifically, light a lamp at the main entrance to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.

Do not undertake any auspicious activity without having taken a bath, and pay special attention to cleanliness and hygiene.

Do not return home empty-handed on this day, but avoid purchasing sharp or pointed objects.

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