Akshaya Navami 2009: Chicago, Illinois

On the ninth day of Kartika's bright fortnight the universe holds a particular grace: whatever is given, planted, or undertaken on this day accrues akshaya phala: imperishable fruit. The day is also called Amla Navami or Amalaki Navami, named for the sacred Indian gooseberry whose tree is venerated as a living form of Vishnu-Lakshmi.

In Vrindavana tradition this day marks the return of the Satya Yuga. Devotees perform a parikrama (circumambulation) of the twelve sacred forests of Vrindavana (dvadasha vanas): Madhuvana, Talavana, Kumudavana, and more. Walking barefoot through these ancient groves while recounting Krishna's childhood leelas is said to confer the merit of a full yatra to all four dhamas.

Amla puja: an Amla tree is worshipped with lamps, flowers, and sesame. Devotees eat their meal seated beneath the tree's canopy: this act alone is believed to cleanse seven previous and seven future generations of sin. Brahmins are fed under the tree as an act of dana.

The date falls on a Swayam-siddha tithi: one of the rare self-sanctified days that need no external muhurta calculation. Any charitable act performed on Akshaya Navami, from digging wells and planting trees to gifting food and scripture, carries inexhaustible spiritual return.