Gwalior Shastra Pujan Drops Celebratory Firing After Fatal Truck Accident

Gwalior hosted a district-level Shastra Pujan ceremony on the occasion of the Dussehra festival. The programme was organised at the DRP Line, with Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar attending as the chief guest.

Divisional Commissioner Manoj Khatri, Collector Ruchika Chauhan and Senior Superintendent of Police Dharmveer Singh were among the officials present at the ceremony. Other officials also attended the programme.

The Shastra Pujan was performed amid the chanting of Vedic mantras. The officials offered oblations in a ceremonial fire before carrying out the weapon-worship ritual. The ceremony was held as part of the traditional Dussehra observances in Gwalior.

After the puja, Collector Ruchika Chauhan used a sword to perform the symbolic sacrifice of a pumpkin. Through this ritual, the tradition of Shakti Puja was observed. The Shastra Pujan on Dussehra was also a way of showing respect for weapons, which are seen as symbols of strength, courage and security.

However, celebratory firing was not carried out during this year’s Shastra Pujan programme. The step was taken in view of the serious truck accident near the Sheetla Mata Temple in Gwalior.

Several devotees lost their lives in the accident. In view of the tragedy, the administration showed sensitivity and decided not to conduct celebratory firing during the event.

The Shastra Pujan was completed through the traditional religious rituals and ceremonies. Despite the absence of celebratory firing, the programme was conducted amid Vedic chanting and followed the religious practices associated with Dussehra.