Ayudha Puja

It is a much-awaited Hindu festival celebrated on the 09th day of every year. It is also known as Astra Puja which falls under the category of the traditional and significant festival. This year it is being celebrated on 5th October 2022

The instruments which are worshiped on the day of the festival comprise small items such as spanners, scissors, and pins and bigger items such as vehicles and machinery. People also worship Saraswati, who is the Goddess of Wisdom; Lakshmi, who is the Goddess of wealth; and Parvati, who is also known as the divine mother. People believe that worshiping the instruments on Ayudha Pooja will give them success. Ayudha Puja is the celebration of the triumph over sinful.

Ayudha Puja celebrations in different states

The festival is celebrated as Ayudha Pooja in various states such as Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, as Ayudha Pujai in Tamil Nadu, and as Ayudha Puja in Kerala. In the North East, it is called Mahanavami. In Odisha, it is celebrated as Astra Puja. It is observed as Dussehra in Karnataka.

Traditions

People use to wash their instruments, tools and vehicles and worship them. Businessmen also does the cleaning of their shops and perform pooja. Ayudha Puja is a precious day to worship office books, school books, etc. People get ready in traditional dresses to perform the different rituals of the festival and exchange the festival greetings among themselves.

Popular destinations to visit during Ayudha Puja

West Bengal: West Bengal celebrates Ayudha Pooja as Durga Puja. This festival is auspicious for the Hindus of the state. 

Gujarat: Gujarat has a different celebration. The folk dance is something that entices you to visit the state. Despite their religion, class, race, etc., people will participate in this traditional dance form. It is exciting to watch.

Punjab: Hindus in Punjab observe fasting for seven days continually and on the 8th day of Navaratri, they break the fast. The state has several famous places to visit during the Dussehra holidays.

Telangana: The celebration is observed differently in Telangana. You can watch the women celebrating Bathukamma.

Kerala: Like other states, the Hindu followers in Kerala worship Goddess Saraswati, Goddess Durga and Goddess Lakshmi.

Karnataka: Do not miss visiting the city of Mysore during the Dussehra holidays in 2020. Many people across the country gather here to witness the grand celebration of Ayudha Puja or Dussehra.