Mangaluru: Ayudha Puja was observed by the Mangaluru Police at the police headquarters and armoury department on Sunday, October 25.
As part of the rituals, the police officials offered puja to the rifles and other weapons and vehicles.
Speaking on the occasion, IGP (Western Range) Devajyoti Ray IPS greeted the officials and others who were gathered and stated that the Vijayadashami festival symbolises the victory of good over evil.
Weapons and police vehicles were cleaned and adorned with flowers before the rituals, as is a common practice for Ayudha Puja, where the tools and implements of the vocation are worshipped. All tools, machines, vehicles and other devices are painted or polished after which they were smeared with turmeric paste, sandalwood paste and kumkum (vermillion). Ayudha Puja marks the ninth day of Navratri.
ASI Balakrishna Bhat performed the puja for the vehicles and weapons.
DCP-CAR Mangaluru City Chenna Bassappa Hosamani KSPS and Rohan Jagadeesh IPS, and other police personnel were present.