Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will celebrate this year’s Dussehra with soldiers at the Bhuj Military Station in Gujarat, sources told India Today. Rajnath Singh will be in Bhuj on October 1 and 2, continuing his tradition of marking Vijayadashami with the armed forces.
On October 1, Rajnath Singh is expected to join troops for the customary Bada Khana, a community meal shared by officers and jawans. The next day, he will perform Shastra Puja at the Bhuj Military Base — a symbolic ritual of weapon worship on Dussehra that reflects the martial ethos of the forces.
Bhuj Military Station holds strategic significance for India’s western frontier. It has played a key role in major operations, including Operation Sindoor, and has been central to countering Pakistani drone threats in recent years.
Following the Shastra Puja on October 2, Rajnath Singh will witness a large-scale multi-agency exercise at Lakki Nala, close to the India-Pakistan border. The drill will involve the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and other security agencies, showcasing joint preparedness along the western frontier.
The Defence Minister’s visit highlights both the cultural tradition of Vijayadashami and India’s emphasis on operational readiness.
Weapon worship on Vijayadashami is a long-standing custom in India. Last year, Rajnath Singh performed Shastra Puja at the 33 Corps headquarters in Sukna, Darjeeling. Over the years, he has consistently celebrated Dussehra with frontline troops, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it a tradition to celebrate Diwali with soldiers at the borders.
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