Ayudha Puja Festival

Hello, friends! This is the first time, I am writing for A to Z challenge. I have selected the theme  for this 26 days of interaction with you. I'll be writing about the Festivals of India. As India  is a secular country, we celebrate all festivals,whether Hindu,Muslim, Christian and Parsi with equal fervor and regard. Today's festival is celebrated in Kerala.

Ayudha Puja

Ayudha Puja or Astra Puja is a festival, which is a part of Navratri festival of nine days. In simple terms it means ”Worship of Implements.” Navratri is celebrated throughout India. Ayudha Puja is widely celebrated in South India. The  mode of worship  slightly differs in all the Southern States but  by and large the same pattern is observed  in all the four South Indian States ie. Kanataka, Andhra, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. In all these States the weapons of war are cleaned thoroughly. In  modern days the devices like vehicles, typewriters, computers, musical instruments, stationery, and all articles required for livelihood, are also worshipped, thereby retaining the ancient practice of  giving salutations to the devices  used for  ones vocation.

The Goddesses worshipped during this festival are Saraswati ( Goddess of Learning), Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth) and Parvati (the divine mother).

Vehicles for worship

The Puja is considered a meaningful custom, which focuses specific attention to one’s profession and its related tools and connotes that a divine force is working behind it to perform well and for getting the appropriate reward.

Goddess Saraswati

A day before the festival, all the tools  and implements are thoroughly cleaned. All these tools are then painted or polished. A tilak of vermilion, sandalwood and  turmeric is smeared all  over. In the evening, they are decorated with flowers. On the day of the Puja, holy chants are recited.  Some time is devoted to meditation. After the Puja, all the devices are taken back for reuse. 

 

Pics : Courtesy Google

Words 248