Why it is special
Many events are placed on this day: the birth of Parashurama, the beginning of the Treta Yuga, the descent of the Ganga, Vyasa beginning to dictate the Mahabharata to Ganesha, Kubera being made lord of wealth, Krishna giving Draupadi the Akshaya Patra, the pot that never emptied, and Sudama's visit to Krishna. The temple doors of Badrinath open around this time, and the chariots of the Jagannath Rath Yatra are begun.
How it is kept
Vishnu and Lakshmi are worshipped with barley, sesame and flowers. Gold, silver and new things are bought, and many weddings are held without fixing a separate muhurat. Charity is especially praised: water pots, fans, umbrellas, sandals, grain and food are given against the summer heat. In Rajasthan Akha Teej is a great wedding day and farmers begin the agricultural year. The katha of the merchant Dharmadas, whose gifts on this day returned to him without end, is read.
Gold and charity
Buying gold on Akshaya Tritiya is a recent and popular custom, based on the belief that wealth gained on this day grows. The older custom puts charity first: the scriptures say that what is given on this day, especially water, grain, clothes and cooling things against the summer heat, brings merit that never decays. Many families do both, buying a little gold and giving to those in need.