Akshaya Tritiya 2004
The undiminishing third — an all-day auspicious muhurta for beginnings and gold.
Muhurat & timings
Kashi/IST · astronomically computed- Sankalp (sunrise)05:28
- Madhyahna puja muhurat10:38 – 13:13
- Fasting window (tithi)2004-04-21 · 22:32 → 2004-04-23 · 00:52
- Parana (tithi ends)00:522004-04-23
Festival days follow the classical attribution rules — udaya (sunrise), pradosha (evening), nishita (midnight), madhyahna or aparahna vyapini as each festival prescribes — computed for Kashi/Varanasi (IST). Regional observance can differ by a day in some years.
Read the Akshaya Tritiya puja vidhi, vrat rules and kathaAkshaya Tritiya — Frequently Asked Questions
When is Akshaya Tritiya celebrated?
On the Tritiya of the Shukla Paksha of Vaishakha, in summer — the third day of the bright fortnight. For this year's date, see the date shown above.
Why is Akshaya Tritiya considered so auspicious?
Akshaya means 'that which does not diminish'. The day is an abujh muhurta, held so wholesome that anything begun, given or acquired on it endures and grows. Several great beginnings — the Treta Yuga, the Ganga's descent, the writing of the Mahabharata — are placed on it.
Is buying gold necessary on Akshaya Tritiya?
No. The day's traditional heart is charity and the worship of Vishnu and Lakshmi. Buying gold is a later, popular custom drawn from the idea that what is gained today will not diminish, but it is not a requirement.
What charity is recommended on Akshaya Tritiya?
Giving to those in need is the day's foremost act. As it falls in summer, the gift of a filled water-pot, cooling foods, a fan or slippers, along with food, sesame and cloth, is especially valued.
Other major festivals in 2004
- Makar Sankranti — 14 January 2004
- Vasant Panchami — 26 January 2004
- Maha Shivaratri — 18 February 2004
- Holika Dahan — 6 March 2004
- Holi — 7 March 2004
- Chaitra Navratri begins — 21 March 2004
- Ram Navami — 30 March 2004
- Jagannath Rath Yatra — 19 June 2004
- Guru Purnima — 2 July 2004
- Nag Panchami — 21 August 2004
- Raksha Bandhan — 30 August 2004
- Krishna Janmashtami — 6 September 2004
- Hartalika Teej — 17 September 2004
- Ganesh Chaturthi — 18 September 2004
- Anant Chaturdashi — 27 September 2004
- Pitru Paksha begins — 29 September 2004
- Sharad Navratri begins — 15 October 2004
- Durga Ashtami — 21 October 2004
- Maha Navami — 22 October 2004
- Dussehra / Vijayadashami — 22 October 2004
- Karwa Chauth — 31 October 2004
- Dhanteras — 10 November 2004
- Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) — 11 November 2004
- Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) — 12 November 2004
- Govardhan Puja — 13 November 2004
- Bhai Dooj — 14 November 2004
- Chhath Puja — 17 November 2004
- Kartik Purnima (Dev Deepawali) — 26 November 2004
- Guru Nanak Jayanti — 26 November 2004
- Hindu Festivals 2004 →