Begin...Today!
There just cannot be a better occasion to initiate new ventures than Akshaya Tritiya. Start that enterprise you’ve been waiting for...today. And, even if it’s symbolic, do it. After all, it was today that Lord Ganesha began penning down the Mahabharat as recited by Ved Vyas writes Nandini Rao
It’s considered the most auspicious day to commence a new business or enterprise after a host of rites and rituals. As legend goes, according to the Puranas, on one occasion Ved Vyas requested Lord Ganesha to help compose the Mahabharata. After all, it was a huge epic that just couldn’t be penned down by anyone other than the prolific Lord Ganesha known for his capability to write voluminous amounts of literature with ease.
On this, Lord Ganesha consented to do so but only after laying down his own terms. He told Vyas that he would write the shlokas down only if Vyas would match his speed (Incidentally, Lord Ganesha was known to write very fast). The condition being, if he (Lord Ganesha) would have to pause due to any delay or slowdown in Vyas’ recitation, he would discontinue writing the Mahabharata.
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To this, Vyas – being shrewd himself – accepted but added that Lord Ganesha would have to first comprehend the meaning of the shloka before penning it down. Once Vyas began composing the epic, he used very complex shlokas that took a little while for Lord Ganesha to comprehend subsequently giving Vyas enough time to compose new ones.
It was on Akshaya Tritiya that Ved Vyas began reciting the Mahabharata that was penned down by Lord Ganesha.On this day, women and unmarried girls worship goddess Gauri and distribute fruits, sweets and other offerings to the deity. Lord Parshuram’s birthday also coincides with this holy day when devout Hindus initiate key activities such as land purchases, jewellery buys, interior renovations and other acts on this all-auspicious day.
Readying The Puja Room
While most households have a modest place where the family deity and gods are housed, many homeowners find it tricky to decide on the right look for this place during Akshaya Tritiya, when the puja room assumes a very important role in the celebrations.
“The Ishanya or the north-east corner is the most ideal location for the puja room,” says Kharghar-based homemaker Iravati Mirani. “You know, it’s considered auspicious to place heavy articles in the puja room. So, don’t hesitate to place any interesting décor items in the space,” she offers. As always, proper planning along with a little imagination holds the key. “First, clean the idol of the devi and place it on a raised platform, preferably on a low stool covered with a clean piece of cloth or then on a wooden/brass shrine,” says Mirani.
It’s all about complementing practicality with aesthetic sensibility. “It’s important to take care of practical aspects such as getting an incense container to keep the incense sticks in; a stand to set the sticks on, a matchbox to light them, etc. However, one shouldn’t neglect the aesthetic aspect either. How about placing small, elegant earthen or brass diyas with oil and cotton wicks in front of the deity?” poses Vashi-based MBA student Piyali Shah.
“You could get creative and place a wall-hanging with some inscriptions in Sanskrit or then, hang an ethnic carpet on a strategic wall of the puja room. Once you let your imagination loose, the sky is the limit!” she adds.
Though it’s fun to get a little adventurous while decorating the puja room, certain ‘auspicious’ must-dos have to be kept in mind. “Some things are a definite no-no,” says Panvel-based homemaker Sangeetha Vijan. “For instance, pictures depicting war themes, sinking ships, crying women, black cats, owls and the like are to be avoided as they’re considered inauspicious,” she maintains. “That apart, cleanliness is a must in the puja room. After all, cleanliness and bright illumination are pre-requisites for devotional space,” she adds.
And then, the most effective way of changing the look of your puja room is to change the colour of the room walls. “While lighter shades like whites and pastels are considered perfect for the puja room, wee brighter shades like blues and greens can create a vibrant and cosy environment,” offers Sanpada-based interior decorator Anand Sathe.
More often than not, the space that’s considered the most sacred is sadly also the most neglected. All it takes is a little imagination and some effort to ensure that your puja room not just exudes reverence this Akshaya Tritiya, but is high on the aesthetics quotient too!
All Set To Shop Too
Twenty-five year old Khushali Shah’s wedding is barely three weeks away but the Shahs hadn’t yet purchased the bridal jewellery. “We were waiting for Akshaya Tritiya to buy the dagina (jewellery),” says Powai-based textile dealer Shaileshbhai Shah, the bride’s father. “Marriage is an auspicious occasion and, it makes sense to wait for an auspicious day to make important purchases,” he reasons.
Most homeowners prefer to postpone or pre-pone their jewellery purchases in order to coincide it with Akshaya Tritiya that falls on April 22nd this year. “Most customers place customised orders earlier yet take delivery on this day while others insist on at least making a part-payment to finalise a purchase on that auspicious day,” says Kandivali-based jewellery shop owner Harish Jain. “Sales rise by 30 per cent or so owing to Akshaya Tritiya,” he maintains.
For most buyers, it’s no longer just a custom. “As long as I can remember, I’ve seen my mother buy jewellery on Akshaya Tritiya every year. And, that has stayed on in my psyche,” maintains Andheri-based homemaker Patanjali Deb, who has gone on to continue the tradition in her own family. “It’s a psychological thing; the day is considered auspicious and I find myself unable to make important purchases on any other day around this period. I’d rather wait for Akshaya Tritiya,” she asserts.
“It doesn’t always have to be a grand purchase,” says Harish. “There’re many customers who make just a token purchase…something modest, like say a pendent or an earring,” he explains. After all, it’s not the quantum of purchase, but the act of purchase that matters!
“Even if there’s no wedding in the family or any ceremony offering an excuse to indulge in jewellery purchase, buying ornaments – whether it’s a diamond bracelet, a gold necklace or even a silver ring – is a must on Akshaya Tritiya,” maintains Fort-based entrepreneur Padma Kapadia. “It’s a matter of tradition…and a good pretext to pamper yourself or your loved ones,” she quips.
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