Akshayá Tritiyá...The Gold Festival ??

Akshayá Tritiyá falls on the third day (Tritiya) of the new moon of Vaishakh moon month. This is one of the four most auspicious days of the vedic calendar (the other three being Ugadi, Vijayadashami and Balipaadyami).The word Akshaye, a Sanskrit word, literally means one that never diminishes, and the day is believed to bring good luck and success.
Cultural Significance
According to the Puranas, this day marks the beginning of the Treta Yug which is the 2nd out of four yugas(ages of man), This yuga follows the Satya Yuga of perfect morality and preceding the Dvapara Yuga.
It is on this day Lord Shiva is said to have brought River Ganges to the earth from the heaven, and this celestial river continues to flow on till date.
This day also marks the birth of Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Vishnu.
A legend from Mahabharata talks about when Pandavas were in exile, Lord Krishna gave Draupadi a bowl called the Akshaya Pathram. The word Akshaya means that which never diminishes and this bowl is said to have given infinite food to the Pandavas.
Also associated with the Mahabarata, is that it was on this day that the Pandavas unearthed weapons that decided their victory over the Kauravas.
It is on this day that Veda Vyasa, along with Lord Ganesha, started writing the Mahabharata
It is also believed that Goddess Vijaya Chamundeshwari killed Asura on this day.
Biological Significance
The Sun and Moon are astrologically believed to be at their most exalted equal brightness on this day. The brightness is at its best at the west coast of India. Goa and Konkan regions, even today, are referred to as Parusurama Kshetra.

It is believed that by doing a good deed on Akshaya Tritiya one can earn Punya (merit) for life. This day is considered auspicious for starting new ventures and making new purchases.
Things to do

• One should give donations alms to poor, dakshina to guru.


• Anushtaans done for Sri Mahalaxmi, for year round prosperity.


• Visit Mahalaxmi mandir, and 4 coins should be thrown in all 4 directions, this will open doors to wealth.


• Kubera Lakshmi Pooja is done on this day alone which extends to daily recital of Moola Mantra 1 mala a day.


• Chanting Anang mantra "Om Hloum Hloom Anangaay Phat" makes one physically fit and reduces impotency problems.


• Married women wear a red thread with vermillion around their necks and invoke good wishes in a Shiv mandir for longevity of their husbands.


• Unmarried ones put it on the feet of Lord Shiva to get the husband they wish for.


• Visit Shiv mandir with neem leaves and after offering to Shiva put under the pillow of a sick person, the person will recover from his illness and evil eyes.


• It is the day of eternal prosperity for any auspicious beginning and buying valuables, gold items or remedial measures.