Akshaya Navami (Amla Navami) is observed on Kartik Shukla Navami, the ninth day in second half of Kartik month as per North Indian calendars but on same day in first half of Kartik month according to other Hindu calendars. In 2025, Akshaya Navami date is October 31.
The legend or the story of Akshay Navami is associated with Surya Bhagwan and Goddess Durga.
Amla Navami is named after Amla fruit. This festival denotes that how human beings are related to nature and its variety of healthy products. Akshay Navmi is also celebrated as Kushmand Navmi.
In North Indian states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, ‘Parbhat Pheri, a procession dedicated to Lord Krishna and Sun God, is performed in the mornings. Sankirtan and bhajans are sung during the Parbhat Pheri of Akshay Navmi. This day is popularly known as Akshay Navami Parikrama Divas in North India.
Significance and Beliefs
- Historical Context: Akshaya Navami is believed to be the day when Satya Yuga (the Golden Age) began, making it a highly auspicious day for various religious activities. It is also associated with Lord Krishna’s journey from Vrindavan to Mathura, fulfilling his duties as a divine figure.
- Worship of Amla Tree: The day is marked by prayers offered to the Amla tree (Indian gooseberry), which is considered sacred. Devotees believe that worshipping the Amla tree brings prosperity, health, and well-being.
- Charity and Good Deeds: Engaging in charitable acts on this day is deemed particularly beneficial. It is believed that any good deeds performed will yield lasting rewards, hence the name “Akshaya,” meaning “that which cannot diminish.”
Rituals and Celebrations
- Morning Rituals: Devotees typically wake up early, take a bath, and visit a temple with an Amla tree. They sit under the tree facing east to perform their prayers.
- Offerings:
- Raw milk is poured at the roots of the Amla tree.
- Devotees may also garland the tree, light a diya (lamp), offer sweets, and tie a red thread around it seven times.
- Recitations and Fasting: Many devotees observe fasts and recite sacred texts like the Ganesha Katha.
- Charitable Acts: Donating food and clothing to Brahmins or the needy is highly encouraged on this day.
Cultural Observance
In West Bengal, Akshaya Navami coincides with the celebration of Jagadhatri Puja, where devotees worship Goddess Jagadhatri, believed to alleviate suffering and bring happiness. This dual observance enriches the cultural significance of Akshaya Navami, making it a day of both spiritual devotion and community festivity.
hy my birthday is on akshaynavami …dis day is so beatuiful day for ma family n my frnz….
Yes its an auspicious day
Sankirtan yoga refers to taking the name of God. It is one of the nine modes of Bhakti. According to the Puranas, the glory of the Supreme Being lies in his Name. Hence, the easiest way to attain the lord is by remembering him. Swami Sivananda, the founder of Divine Life Society, defines Sankirtan as the Swarupa (indispensable nature), Dhwani (sound) and the essence of Vedas. In fact, both the Vedas and Sankirtan originate from the same source.