Karnataka celebrates Ayudha Puja with religious fervour

Bengaluru/Magaluru: Ayudha Puja was celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety on Thursday, October 14.

Ayudha Puja, is a Hindu festival that is celebrated during Shardiya Navratri.

Also known as ‘Astra Pooja’, it is the day when people cleanse and worship their instruments, weapons, machines, tools, vehicles, etc, that are an indispensable part of everyone’s livelihood.

On this day, two-wheelers, four-wheelers and all other kinds of vehicles and electronic components including computers, and cameras, and agricultural tools, virtually everything that one uses to earn one’s livelihood are blessed.

A day prior to Ayudha Puja the machines or tools are thoroughly cleansed; then a mixture of turmeric and sandalwood powder is prepared for the ‘Tilak’ to be placed on them.

The machines, vehicles, and tools are intricately decorated with garlands, mango leaves, and flowers. There is also a very specific ritual of smashing a white pumpkin coated with turmeric in front of the vehicles to destroy all the negative energies around and thus harbor prosperity in the lives of the owners.