Have been witnessing a lot of negative narrative and hostility towards shastra puja all over internet since last 24 hours . As a nation we have history of celebrating valour , combat , culture and sacrifices since ancient times and under no circumstances an altered narrative is acceptable to me as an Indian 🇮🇳 of the current generation . Those who are either unaware or ignorant need to know #India has a long, complex history of warfare, a rich tradition of weaponry, the ritual of Shastra/Ayudha Puja (worship of weapons and tools), and a modern gun culture that is part of our culture and is accountable highly regulated mechanism rather than carelessly permissive. From Civilians with valid license to even the bravest of India like Indian defence forces historically emphasized war elephants, cavalry, archers, and later gunpowder weapons. Pre-colonial states often featured flexible, multi-polar warfare rather than highly centralized standing armies of the European model. What is a Shastra Puja / Ayudha Puja ? Shastra Puja (or Ayudha Puja) is the ritual of worshipping weapons, tools, and instruments. It is observed mainly during Navratri, typically on Mahanavami (ninth day) in South India or on Vijayadashami (Dussehra) in parts of India . Significance and origins: • It honors the instruments of livelihood and protection as embodiments of divine power (linked to Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura, or Rama’s victory over Ravana). • Mythological roots include the Pandavas retrieving and worshipping their weapons (hidden in a Shami tree during exile) on Vijayadashami before the Kurukshetra War, and traditions of warriors/kings performing the rite before battle. • Goddesses Saraswati (learning), Lakshmi (prosperity), and Parvati/Durga (power) are invoked. • In modern practice, it extends beyond weapons to vehicles, machines, books, computers, farm tools, and workplace instruments—cleaned, decorated with flowers, turmeric, and kumkum, and offered prayers. It expresses gratitude for tools that sustain life and work. As Indians we pray in gratitude to our machines , vehicles , nature and even arms . Everyone from civilians to Indian armed forces continue the tradition; defence ministers and military leaders perform Shastra Puja on Dussehra too so whether anyone likes the puja or not it was , is and will be part of culture and core of the Republic 🇮🇳🫡. Hope it clears the air for some intellectuals both in and out of India . RSVP : @Calvados_484 @MrParleG @MasterChiefyyy @OsintNightmare @mujifren @treeni @KreatelyMedia @BillionIndian5 @Geotactix @Shiv_G__ @rajput_of_india @HindutvaNerve @AaryanPrateekX @KuntalKrishna @JaipurDialogues @majorgauravarya @samartoor3086 @Shiv_G__ @shekhar_br02 @YouthVoiceSurya @Alterego_nyk @ews_army @CivicIndia_ @alokawinash @Apporva_unmk @iBhumihar_Girl @HPhobiaWatch @HindutvaNerve @Bharatrastrsena #Fact #RightofDefence #Gratitude #Shastrapuja #Culture #Traditions