Legends

In the Puranas, the holy Hindu scriptures, there is a story where Ved Vyash once requested Lord Ganesha to help him compose the Mahabharata. Lord Ganesha accepted the offer only after laying down his own terms. He said to Vyashdev that he would write the Slokas only if Vyashdev would tally with his speed. If he had to stop due to Vyashdev, he would discontinue writing. Vyashdev accepted the proposal with counter conditions, stating that Lord Ganesha had to comprehend the meaning of the Shlokas before he could pen them down. All terms and conditions agreed upon, Vyashdev  started composing the epic and used very complicated Shlokas. The time lord Ganesha took to understand the meaning was enough for Vyashdev to compose new lines. It is said that it was the day of Akshay Tritiya, that Vedvyash along with Lord Ganesha started writing the Mahabharata.

According to other beliefs, this day marks the beginning of the SatyaYuga the first of the four Yugas(era's), Satya,Treta, Dwapar & Kalyuga. On the day of the Akshay Tritiya, ceremony to start the new audit book is performed with the worship of Lord Ganesha & Devi Lakshmi. Then traditional rituals are followed with welcoming customers & holding dinners. Sweets & new year calendars are distributed to guests.