Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday (8 October) took delivery of India’s first Rafale fighter jet and performed Shashtra Puja on the occasion of Dusshera.
As part of the puja, Singh drew an Om symbol on the Rafale jet using Sindoor and also offered coconut and flowers. Pictures of the same was posted by media outlets and journalists.
After performing the puja, Rajnath Singh took a sortie on a French Rafale Jet which was flown by the head test pilot of Dassault Aviation.
Also known as ‘Astra Pooja’ as well as ‘Shastra Pooja’, the festival is celebrated throughout India in various forms.
The festival denoted pooja of any tools and instruments used for earning one’s livelihood, and not just weapons. In the modern age, even computers and typewriters receive Ayudh Pooja.