Hindus across India celebrate Ayudha Puja, also known as Ayudha Pooja or Ayudha Puja, especially in the southern states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. The festival of Navratri, which often takes place in the months of September or October, has it fall on the ninth day. Ayudha Puja is a day set aside for worshiping everyday tools, weapons, and utensils in recognition of their importance to one's livelihood.

Ayudha Puja is observed on the ninth day of Navaratri, which is usually in the month of Ashwin (September-October). This year it falls on Monday, October 23, 2023. On this day, people, especially those in trades, professions, or industries, clean and decorate their tools and implements, including vehicles, machines, computers, and even books. They consider these tools as an extension of the divine and offer their prayers. The tools and equipment are cleaned, decorated, and embellished as part of the Ayudha Puja ceremonies. People anoint the tools with turmeric and vermillion, light incense, and present them with flowers. In some areas, people ink the sacred letter "Om" into their implements and cars.

The goddess of knowledge and wisdom, Saraswati, may also be worshiped on this day in some locations because of the inclusion of equipment like books, musical instruments, and educational materials in the puja. During the Ayudha Puja, vehicles—including automobiles, trucks, scooters, and even bicycles—are washed, decorated, and blessed. People think that by doing this ceremony, they will be protected and have secure travels all year round. After the rites, it's customary to give family members and coworkers “Prasadam” (blessed food).

Ayudha Puja is a reflection of the belief that devotion to one's work and reverence for the tools employed in one's profession are types of worship rather than only the worship of tangible items and tools. It encourages accountability, self-control, and respect for one's field of work. Similar rites and customs are practiced during Navratri in different regions of the country, even though Ayudha Puja is more frequently observed in the southern states of India. It's a celebration that emphasizes the value of work, one's tools of the trade, and their use in day-to-day living.