Akshaya Tritiya 2012: San Francisco, California

Akshaya Tritiya (the third day of Vaishakha's bright half) is one of the rarest tithis in the Hindu calendar: a Swayam-siddha muhurta, a self-proved auspicious moment that requires no external calculation. Whatever is started, given, or sown on this day bears akshaya phala: undying, inexhaustible fruit.

The Puranas record that on this day the Satya Yuga began, Devi Annapurna appeared at Varanasi, the Ganges descended to Earth, and Lord Parashurama was born to the sage Jamadagni. Lord Kubera received his celestial riches on Akshaya Tritiya; Lord Surya gave Yudhishtira the inexhaustible Akshaya Patra vessel from which food never ran out: a direct echo of the tithi's name.

The day is celebrated across India as Akha Teej. Gold and silver bought today are believed to grow and multiply; more deeply the tradition points to charitable giving (providing food, water, umbrellas, and footwear to those in need during summer) as the most enduring investment one can make.

In Jainism, this day commemorates Rishabhanatha (Adinatha), the first Tirthankara, breaking a year-long fast with sugarcane juice. The day is therefore the most sacred date on the Jain calendar.