Akshaya Thrithi, Hindu Festival Stories, The Birth of Goddess Annapurna

The supreme deity, Parvati who is consort of Shiva took birth as Annapurna, the Goddess of food on the day of Akshaya Trithi.
On the day of Akshaya Thrithaya, Shiva disguised as a poor beggar. He came in guise to Parvati and asked for food. It is said that the Goddess Parvati took form of Annapurna (meaning one who satisfies hunger for food) and fed Shiva in guise of beggar herself. Hence on the day of Akshaya Thrithi, people worship Goddess Annapurna and engage in charity of food especially grains.