Microcredit Marvels: Empowering Women

Ayudha Pooja celebrations at Prime Trust

Ayudha Pooja, is a Hindu festival celebrated primarily in South India, especially in the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. The festival typically falls on the ninth day (Navami) of the Navaratri festival, which usually occurs in September or October. The primary purpose of Ayudha Pooja is to pay homage and offer prayers to the tools, instruments, and vehicles that people use in their daily lives. It is an occasion to show gratitude to these objects that help people earn their livelihood and carry out various tasks efficiently. The festival holds cultural significance in South India, and it is an opportunity for people to come together, decorate their tools and instruments, and celebrate their work and craftsmanship. It is a way of fostering a sense of unity and pride in one's occupation or profession. Ayudha Pooja is also a day for religious observance. It is common for people to perform pujas (worship rituals) to consecrate their tools, vehicles, and other instruments. The tools are cleaned, decorated, and offered special prayers. In some households and workplaces, images or idols of deities are also worshipped. People believe that by performing Ayudha Pooja, they invoke divine blessings for the tools and instruments, which in turn can lead to greater success and prosperity in their work and daily life. In schools and educational institutions, Ayudha Pooja is also observed as an occasion to pay respect to books, musical instruments, and other tools related to education. Students often keep their books and study materials in front of deities and seek blessings for success in their studies. It's a time to express gratitude, seek divine blessings, and celebrate the skills and labor that contribute to one's livelihood and society as a whole.

On October 21, 2023, Ayudha Pooja was joyfully celebrated at Janani's residence by the children and staff members. Mr. S.M. Arasu, the founder of the Prime Trust, along with his family, actively took part in this festive occasion. The gathering brought immense joy to everyone involved.