Akshay Tritiya and importance of Daan

Akshay Tritiya, one of the most important festivals falls on tritiya tithi of Shukla paksha, Vaishakh month. This festival holds equal importance from Jyotish point of view.
On this day, Sun, Moon and Venus are exalted, sun in Aries sign, Moon in Taurus and Venus in Pisces sign. The two luminaries, being in special position makes it even more auspicious, and Venus which signifies luxury and wealth in life is also exalted on this particular day.
There’s a common notion for celebrating this festival is to purchase gold or silver. On the other hand, in ancient times this festival was more related to importance of anna and donating it. As we know the story of Mahabharata, Bhagwan Surya blessed Draupaudi with Akshay Patra, the vessel in which food never finishes and can feed hundreds of people without getting exhausted. He particularly mentioned rice, which signifies Moon, and being linked to Venus, which is getting exalted in the house of donations. This story beautifully explains the role of all 3 planets in special role on this day.

So how does buying something on this day will bring prosperity? And in today’s times when golds prices are sky-high can a common even afford to purchase Gold? Then how are we supposed to celebrate it? It’s very simple, anna daan to the one who need it most on this day will be beneficial, instead of buying Gold and silver. It is said that the charity done on Akshaya Tritiya remains ‘Akshaya’, imperishable and eternal.

दानमेवोत्तमं भोगं धनस्य मन्यते बुधः।
मूढा विषयभोगाय रक्षन्ति धनमध्रुवम्॥
Hindi translation:
विद्वज्जन दान को ही धन का उत्तम भोग मानते हैं।
मूढ़ लोग विषय भोग के लिए नाशवान धन की रक्षा करते हैं।
With this I wish you all Happy Akshay Tritiya !!