Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel performs Shastra Puja on Vijayadashami, stresses duty and Karmayoga
Synopsis
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel carried forward a tradition started by PM Modi — performing Shastra Puja at his Gandhinagar residence on Vijayadashami 2026, worshipping his security personnel's weapons and invoking the philosophy of Karmayoga. The ritual blends festival symbolism with a formal institutional salute to those tasked with protection.
Key Takeaways
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel performed Shastra Puja at his official residence in Gandhinagar on 20 October 2026 , the occasion of Vijayadashami .
Weapons used by his security personnel were worshipped in accordance with traditional Vedic rituals .
The CM addressed security staff on the importance of Karmayoga , compassion, and righteous conduct in public duty.
SP Tejas Patel , who oversees the Chief Minister's security, welcomed him at the ceremony.
The tradition was reportedly initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his own tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel performed the traditional Shastra Puja at his official residence in Gandhinagar on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, marking the occasion of Vijayadashami. The ceremony saw the Chief Minister worship weapons used by his security personnel in accordance with Vedic rituals, while emphasising duty, dedication, and the preservation of human values.
What the Ceremony Involved
The Shastra Puja involved the formal worship of weapons — specifically those in active use by the security forces deployed at the Chief Minister's residence. The ritual acknowledged the dual symbolism embedded in the word 'shastra,' which in Sanskrit refers to both weapons and scriptures, underlining the cultural significance of protecting both instruments of security and repositories of knowledge.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Tejas Patel, who oversees the Chief Minister's security arrangements, formally welcomed him during the ceremony. Also present were Deputy Superintendents of Police, police inspectors, police sub-inspectors, commandos, drivers, and other security personnel attached to the Chief Minister's office.
What the Chief Minister Said
Addressing the assembled security personnel, Chief Minister Patel spoke at length about the principles of Karmayoga — the path of selfless action rooted in Indian philosophical tradition. He stressed that those entrusted with security and protection must remain steadfast in fulfilling their duties while upholding compassion, empathy, and righteous conduct at all times.
The Chief Minister also underlined the importance of striving for spiritual growth through good deeds, urging personnel to see their official responsibilities not merely as tasks but as a form of service. He extended Vijayadashami greetings to all personnel who participated in the ceremony.
A Tradition Rooted in Modi-Era Gujarat
The ceremony continued a tradition that was reportedly initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister. Since then, the Shastra Puja has been observed annually at the Chief Minister's official residence on Vijayadashami, combining the festival's cultural resonance with a formal recognition of the responsibilities borne by security personnel.
This continuity reflects the BJP-led government's emphasis on blending governance with cultural and religious traditions, particularly those associated with Hindu festivals and their symbolic meanings.
Significance of Vijayadashami
Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, is observed across India as a celebration of the victory of good over evil. The worship of weapons on this occasion draws from a longstanding cultural practice that honours the instruments used to protect people and uphold justice — a tradition observed by armed forces, law enforcement, and craftspeople alike across different regions of the country.
As Vijayadashami rituals are observed at official residences across India, the Gujarat ceremony stands out for its institutional framing — linking the festival's symbolism directly to the ethos of public service and security duty.
Point of View
But its institutional framing is worth noting. By continuing a tradition PM Modi established, Chief Minister Patel reinforces a BJP governance aesthetic that deliberately blurs the line between cultural observance and official duty. The ceremony's messaging — Karmayoga, compassion, righteous action — draws from Gita-inflected vocabulary that the party has consistently used to frame governance as a form of dharmic service. Whether that framing translates into measurable security outcomes is a separate question, but as political symbolism it is deliberate and consistent.
NationPress
20 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shastra Puja and why is it performed on Vijayadashami?
Shastra Puja is the traditional worship of weapons performed on Vijayadashami (Dussehra), rooted in the cultural practice of honouring instruments used to protect people and uphold justice. It reflects the festival's overarching symbolism of the victory of good over evil, and is observed by armed forces, law enforcement, and artisans across India.
Who performed the Shastra Puja in Gujarat in 2026?
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel performed the Shastra Puja at his official residence in Gandhinagar on 20 October 2026. He worshipped weapons used by his security personnel in accordance with Vedic rituals.
Who started the Shastra Puja tradition at the Gujarat Chief Minister's residence?
The ceremony was reportedly initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister. It has since been observed annually at the official residence on Vijayadashami.
What message did CM Bhupendra Patel give to security personnel?
Chief Minister Patel spoke about Karmayoga — the path of selfless action — urging security personnel to fulfil their duties while upholding compassion, empathy, and righteous conduct. He also stressed the importance of preserving human values and striving for spiritual growth through good deeds.
Who attended the Shastra Puja ceremony at the Gujarat CM's residence?
The ceremony was attended by Superintendent of Police Tejas Patel, Deputy Superintendents of Police, police inspectors, police sub-inspectors, commandos, drivers, and other personnel deployed for the Chief Minister's security.
