Odisha CM Majhi, KV Perform ‘Akhi Muthi’ Ritual On Akshaya Tritiya [In Pics]

Cuttack: On the sacred occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi and his deputy K V Singh Deo, who is also the Agriculture minister, on Monday performed the symbolic “Akhi Muthi Anukula” ritual, marking the auspicious beginning of the paddy sowing season, at Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI) in Odisha’s Cuttack.

The CM, in a post on X, had earlier announced the direct transfer of financial assistance to farmers under ‘CM-Kisan’ scheme for the upcoming Kharif-2026 season. “Our government remains steadfastly committed to the holistic prosperity of the state’s annadata (food providers) and to energising the agricultural economy. We are today initiating the direct transfer of financial assistance amounts under the ‘CM-Kisan’ scheme for Kharif-2026,” he wrote.

Akshaya Tritiya is one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu lunar calendar. It falls on the third day (Tritiya) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Vaishakha month and is widely celebrated across Odisha with deep cultural and agricultural reverence.

In the predominantly agrarian society of Odisha, the festival holds special significance as it traditionally marks the commencement of the rice (paddy) cultivation season. Farmers perform the “Akhi Muthi” ritual — taking a handful (muthi) of specially selected rice seeds, offering prayers, and symbolically sowing them after seeking divine blessings for a bountiful harvest.

The festival holds deep cultural and religious significance in the state. In Puri, Akshaya Tritiya marks the formal commencement of chariot construction for the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath and his siblings, alongside the start of the Chandan Yatra, a ceremonial procession of deities at various temples.

Chandan Yatra of Bhubaneswar’s presiding deity Lord Lingaraj continues for 22 days. The Lord and Goddess Parvati are taken out in a decorated palanquin along with Maa Rukmini and Basudeva for ‘Chapa’ khela in Bindusagar pond.

Preparations for Sital Sasthi festival will also begin in Sambalpur with Thala Utha ritual on Akshaya Tritiya, marking the start of the week-long celebrations. This ceremony officially kicks off the selection of the bride’s parents and preparations for the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Widely regarded as highly auspicious, the day is considered ideal for initiating new ventures, including weddings, property deals, investments, or purchasing gold, as any endeavour started on Akshaya Tritiya is believed to flourish endlessly. It also commemorates the birthday of Lord Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu, and the day when Sage Vyasa and Lord Ganesha are said to have begun composing the Mahabharata.