Akshaya Trithiyai falls on the third day after the new moon in the month of Vaishag(Suklapaksha Trithiyai ). On that day the sun, Surya, and the moon, Chandra, are simultaneously at their peak of brightness.Akshaya Trithiyai is a day when one finds happiness in giving.

The word Akshaya means that which never diminishes, hence beginnings made or valuables bought on this day are considered certain to bring luck and success. All over India people celebrate weddings, plan new business ventures, purchase gold, long journeys and other events on this day. Akshaya Tritiya is traditionally the birthday of Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Vishnu.

There is a tale in the Mahabharata to highlight the importance of Akshaya Thrithiyai.When the Pancha Pandavas along with their spouse Draupati were in exile, a bowl (Akshaya Pathram) had been given to Draupati by Lord Krishna, with the help of which she was able to serve food to the Pandavas. It was just sufficient to satisfy their hunger."One day, Sage Durvasa, who was known for his short temper, wanted to test the Pandavas. He along with all his followers reached the forest where the Pandavas were living and asked Draupati to keep food ready for them when they would return after a bath in a nearby river. By then she and the Pandavas had already finished their lunch, and the 'bowl' was almost empty, with just a grain of rice left in it."Fearing the wrath of the Sage, Draupati prayed fervently to Lord Krishna, her saviour. Her prayers were answered. Lord Krishna ate the one grain of rice that was still there, and lo! Durvasa and the other guests returned from the river just to tell the Pandavas that already they felt as if they had had a good lunch and their stomachs were full." No wonder, Draupati heaved a sigh of relief! The belief is that, it is good if we buy something like gold, silver or new clothes.