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Akshaya Tritiya
 Region
:
Throughout Orissa
Falls On
:
Third Day of the Hindu Year (April)
Also Known As
:
Muthi Chhuan in Western Orissa
RSignificance
:
Chandan Yatra starts from this day.
Main Ritual
This festival is celebrated on the third day of the brilliant fortnight of the lunar month of Vaishakha. This important festival is held in every farming household. It is characterized by the ceremonial sowing of paddy in the field. Oblation is offered to the goddess of destiny, 'Shathi'.
This is the most auspicious day to start the construction of house buildings, digging of tanks and wells. This is the day on which the construction of the chariots for Ratha Jatra of Lord Jagannath and his brother and sister starts.
Beginning Of Chandan Yatra
The famous Chandan Yatra of Lord Jagannath, which is observed in various other shrines of Orissa starts from this day. Moreover, from this auspicious day the carpenters start building the cars ('Ratha') of Lord Jagannath, Balabadra and Subhadra.
On this day women also worship 'Sasthi Debi' popularly called 'Sathi Duchhei'. The Goddess is said to be the guardian of children. She has also the power to bestow the women with children. Therefore, she is propitiated with great devotion.
Legend
Religious scriptures testify that Ganga, the sacred river of India landed on the Earth on this day from Heaven. She is the perennial source of water, which is the need for agriculture. Therefore, this favorable day was chosen to start sowing seeds.
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