Festivals
Ayudha Puja 2026: Date, Muhurat, Significance & Rituals
Ayudha Puja 2026: Date, Muhurat, Rituals & Significance
Ayudha Puja, also known as Astra Puja or Shastra Puja, is an integral part of the Navratri festival. It signifies the “Worship of Implements”. Celebrated on the 9th day of Navratri (Maha Navami), this festival honors the tools, machines, vehicles, and instruments that form the backbone of our livelihood.
On this day, artisans, students, and professionals worship their tools—be it a laptop, a musical instrument, or heavy machinery—seeing the divine presence in them. It is believed that worshipping these assets invokes the blessings of the Almighty for success and prosperity in one’s profession.
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Ayudha Puja 2026 Date & Muhurat
In 2026, Ayudha Puja will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. It coincides with Maha Navami in most regions.
| Event | Date & Time (IST) |
|---|---|
| Ayudha Puja Date | October 20, 2026 (Tuesday) |
| Navami Tithi Begins | 02:12 PM on Oct 19, 2026 |
| Navami Tithi Ends | 12:28 PM on Oct 20, 2026 |
| Shubh Muhurat for Puja | Morning: 09:15 AM to 12:00 PM Afternoon: 01:30 PM to 03:00 PM |
*Note: Timings are based on New Delhi IST. Please consult your local Panchang for exact city-wise timings.
Significance of Ayudha Puja
Ayudha Puja is a gesture of gratitude towards the instruments that help us earn a living. It is believed that after the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas worshipped their weapons on Vijayadashami, thanking them for their victory. Similarly, Goddess Durga worshipped her weapons after defeating the demon Mahishasura.
Today, this tradition has evolved. A software engineer worships their laptop, a chef worships their knives, and a driver worships their vehicle. It reinforces the idea that work is worship (Work is Divine).
How to Perform Ayudha Puja (Rituals)
- Cleaning: Thoroughly clean all tools, machines, vehicles, and instruments. Vehicles should be washed and decorated.
- Decoration: Apply a paste of sandalwood and turmeric (Tilak) to all tools. Adorn them with fresh flower garlands. Decorate computers and account books with vermillion.
- Setting the Altar: Place idols or photos of Goddess Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Parvati. Keep books and essential tools in front of the deities.
- Offerings: Offer puffed rice, jaggery, fruits, and white pumpkin (ash gourd) to the deities. Smashed coconut and lemons are often used to ward off evil eyes (Drishti) from vehicles and machinery.
- Aarti: Perform the Mangal Aarti with camphor. Pray for the safe and successful usage of these tools in the coming year.
- Rest: It is customary not to use the tools on the day of the puja, allowing them a day of rest.
Regional Variations of the Festival
- South India (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala): Celebrated as Saraswati Puja and Ayudha Puja. Books and musical instruments are placed before the Goddess.
- Maharashtra: Known as Khande Navami, where weapons and vehicles are worshipped.
- North India: Observed as Shastra Puja (Worship of Weapons), traditionally by Rajput families and security forces.
- West Bengal: Celebrated as part of Durga Puja festivities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ayudha Puja falls on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 (Maha Navami).
Goddess Saraswati (Wisdom), Goddess Lakshmi (Prosperity), and Goddess Parvati/Durga (Strength) are worshipped. In many places, Lord Vishwakarma is also honored.
Traditionally, tools and vehicles are given a “rest” on the Puja day. However, after the Puja rituals (including the lemon crush ritual) are completed, they can be used if necessary.
