Ayudha Puja

Ayudha Puja is a Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of tools, celebrated as a public holiday in September or October in several regions of southern India, including Karnataka, Pondicherry, and Tamil Nadu. This festival is part of Navratri and takes place on the ninth day of the celebration, lasting for roughly ten days. During this time, people sing praises to the weapons and tools that are used in their everyday lives.

History

India is known for its long and colorful history, highlighted by many festivals that take place throughout the year. During these celebrations, people honor and glorify their gods and goddesses and praise their great deeds. Ayudha Puja is no exception, as it commemorates the victory over evil in the final battle of Dashara and Durga Puja. In ancient India, battles often took place at the end of the monsoon season, as the conditions were more favorable. The main goddesses worshiped during this festival are Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Parvati.

Interesting Facts

• In the traditions of Dashara and Durga Puja, the climax is the victory over evil in the final battle, so the weapons must be thoroughly cleaned and ready for worship.
• The festival is not limited to weapons—people worship everything they use in daily life, from books and vehicles to kitchen utensils and musical instruments.
• Modern celebrations include blessings of computers, machinery, and office equipment in addition to traditional tools and weapons.
• Some communities perform processions, carrying decorated tools and idols through the streets before bringing them back for prayers.
• The ritual underscores the philosophy of seeing the divine presence in everyday objects and respecting the tools that support one’s livelihood.

How to Take Part

During the festival, everyone washes and cleans their tools and vehicles before performing Puja worship. Shopkeepers tidy up their premises, students and scientists organize their books, programmers clean their computers, musicians care for their musical instruments, and soldiers polish their weapons. The ritual is meant to see the divine in simple, everyday things. In Karnataka, the holiday is especially associated with the victory of goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, and the goddess’s weapons are kept for further worship after her triumph.

When is Ayudha Puja in 2025?