KATHMANDU: The festival of Akshaya Tritiya is being observed across Nepal today, marked by the traditional practice of donating and consuming Satu and Sarbat on the auspicious day of Baisakh Shukla Tritiya.

Devotees began the day early with ritual cleansing of homes and holy baths before preparing items for worship. According to tradition, offerings are made to Lord Vishnu after worshipping Diyo, Kalash, and Ganesh, following Vedic rituals that include sixteen sacred ingredients.

A key highlight of the day is the preparation and offering of Sarbat made from ingredients such as cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, honey, sugar and misri along with barley flour (Satu), which is also donated to priests and the needy. These offerings are believed to have cooling and immunity-boosting properties, especially beneficial during the hot Baishakh season.

Religious texts emphasize that any good deed performed on this day such as charity, prayers, meditation and bathing brings eternal merit and prosperity. Even small acts of donation are considered highly rewarding.

The day is also marked by the tradition of Dharmaghatadi donations, including water-filled pots (ghada), umbrellas, walking sticks, clothes, and food items to the elderly and underprivileged. Donations of cows, land, grains and gold to deserving Brahmins are also customary.

According to Hindu belief, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were married on this day during the Satya Yug, making it one of the most auspicious days for weddings without the need to consult a favorable time (Sait). It is also believed that the Treta Yug began on this date.

The term “Akshaya” signifies something that never diminishes and it is widely believed that deeds performed on this day bring endless prosperity and good fortune.