Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akti or Akha Teej, is a sacred day celebrated by Hindus and Jains across India. In Sanskrit, the word ‘Akshaya’ means never-ending while ‘Tritiya’ stands for the third lunar day of the Vaisakha month (April-May).
In Hinduism, this day marks many significant events.
- • On this day, Sudama visited his childhood friend, Lord Krishna, after many years. Despite suffering from extreme poverty, Sudama offered the puffed rice packed by his wife to Lord Krishna with great affection, who then blessed him with endless happiness and prosperity.
- • This is the day when Draupadi from the Mahabharata epic received the ‘Akshaya Patra’, the inexhaustible vessel of food.
- • It also marks the birth of Devi Annapoorna, the Hindu goddess of food.
Thus, Akshaya Tritiya is considered to be a highly
auspicious day for new beginnings. It is believed that any new venture started
on this day will be blessed with good luck, success and prosperity. Hence, people
buy gold, start new businesses, make investments and perform religious rituals
on this day.
Many also choose to donate to charities on Akshaya Tritiya. It
is not just a way of giving back to society but also a way of seeking the
blessings of the divine. By helping those in need, people express gratitude for
the health and wealth they enjoy. Donating also brings a sense of satisfaction
and fulfilment, knowing that their contribution is making a positive impact on
the lives of others. It is also widely believed that any act of charity done on
this day will multiply manifold and bring everlasting peace and prosperity to
the donor’s family.
For the recipients, donations can be as life-changing as the
inexhaustible vessel of food. They provide essential resources such as meals,
shelter, education or medical care to those in need. They can help them overcome
financial challenges and offer a pathway to a better life.
Transform
lives on Akshaya Tritiya
Much like the Akshaya Patra in the epic of Mahabharata, The
Akshaya Patra Foundation strives to be an unlimited source of food for children
from low-income backgrounds in India. But it would not be possible without the
support from governments and donors worldwide.
Thus, Akshaya Patra works in partnership with the Government
of India, individuals and other organisations to implement the government’s PM
Poshan Abhiyaan [earlier called the Mid-Day Meal Programme (MDM)] across
government and government-aided schools in the country.
Akshaya Patra began its operations in 2000 with just one
kitchen in Bangalore that fed 1,500 children every day. Today, it has grown to
serve food to over 2 million children across 15 states and 2 union territories
in India every day under the PM Poshan Abhiyaan or the Mid-Day Meal (MDM)
Programme. By providing nutritious mid-day meals to school children, the NGO
aims to eliminate classroom hunger and also incentivise them to attend classes
regularly.
Contributing to Akshaya Patra on Akshaya Tritiya is a great
way to impact the lives of children who need our support while living up to the
spirit of the occasion. These donations help fund the operations of the NGO and
expand its reach to more schools and children. Every donation, no matter how
small, can make a difference and help them persevere towards their goals every
day.
This Akshaya Tritiya, express gratitude for the blessings of
health and prosperity in your life. Donate online to feed children from
challenging socioeconomic backgrounds and contribute to a sustainable future
for India.
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