Akshaya Tritiya is a significant festival in the Indian calendar that is celebrated in the Hindu month of Vaisakha (April-May). The word “Akshaya” means “never diminishing” or “everlasting,” and “Tritiya” means “third day.” Thus, the festival is celebrated on the third day of the bright half of the lunar month of Vaisakha. Akshaya Tritiya is a day of great significance for those who follow Sanatana Dharma as it is believed to be an auspicious day for new beginnings, starting new ventures, and investing in gold and other valuable assets. It is believed that any activity started on this day will bring prosperity, success, and good fortune. Many Hindus consider it the most auspicious day of the year for buying gold, as it is believed that buying gold on this day brings good luck and fortune. According to Puranas, on this day, Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, incarnated as Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu. Parashurama is believed to be the warrior who annihilated the corrupt and evil kings of his time and restored justice and righteousness on earth. Another legend associated with Akshaya Tritiya is the story of the Pandavas, the five brothers in the Hindu epic, Mahabharata. It is believed that on this day, the Pandavas received the Akshaya Patra, a magical bowl that would provide unlimited food for the bearer. With this bowl, the Pandavas were able to feed thousands of people during their exile in the forest. On this day, people perform pujas and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Kubera, the Hindu god of wealth. Temples are decorated with flowers, and devotees make offerings of fruits, sweets, and other delicacies. Many people also fast on this day and donate to the poor and needy. Once Lord Shiva approached Goddess Annapurna and asked her to provide food to the people of Kashi (present-day Varanasi). The goddess agreed and started distributing food to the people of Kashi, but Lord Shiva was skeptical about her ability to feed everyone. To prove her generosity and abundance, Goddess Annapurna showed Lord Shiva a never-ending bowl of rice, known as the Akshaya Patra. This magical bowl would always remain full of food, no matter how much was taken from it. Impressed by the goddess’s generosity and abundance, Lord Shiva offered his blessings to her and declared that whoever worships Goddess Annapurna on the day of Akshaya Tritiya will be blessed with abundance and prosperity. Gold and precious stones according to ancient Indian astrology: Ancient Indian astrology is deeply rooted in Hindu culture, and it is believed that the universe is a living organism and that everything in it is interconnected. In Hindu astrology, the gemstones are believed to work by absorbing the cosmic energies associated with each planet and transmitting them to the wearer. It is believed that wearing the appropriate gemstone can help to balance the effects of planetary positions and improve the wearer’s overall quality of life. Also such gem stones especially studded in gold ornaments should never be worn under the hip/belly but always above the hip, because of their power and effects. One aspect of Hindu astrology prescribes the use of precious gems to enhance the effects of certain planetary positions. According to Hindu astrology, each planet is associated with a particular gemstone that can have a positive impact on the wearer. Here are some examples of the gemstones associated with each planet: ·         Ruby (Manikkam): Associated with the Sun, the Ruby is believed to bring good health, success, and prosperity to the wearer. ·         Pearl (Muthu): Associated with the Moon, the Pearl is believed to promote emotional balance, mental clarity, and spiritual growth. ·         Red Coral (Pavalam): Associated with Mars, the Red Coral is believed to provide physical strength, courage, and protection against enemies. ·         Emerald (Maragatham): Associated with Mercury, the Emerald is believed to promote mental clarity, communication, and business success. ·         Yellow Sapphire (Pushparagam): Associated with Jupiter, the Yellow Sapphire is believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and spiritual growth. ·         Diamond (Vairam): Associated with Venus, the Diamond is believed to promote beauty, luxury, and marital happiness. ·         Blue Sapphire (Neelam): Associated with Saturn, the Blue Sapphire is believed to provide protection against negative energies, promote discipline, and provide success in business. In conclusion, Akshaya Tritiya is a significant festival in the Hindu calendar that is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour across India. It is a day of new beginnings, prosperity, and good fortune. Whether it is starting a new venture, investing in gold, or performing pujas and offering prayers to the gods, people celebrate this auspicious day in their own unique way, making it one of the most beloved festivals in the Hindu calendar.