New Delhi, October 6: Rajnath Singh will continue the tradition of performing 'Shastra Pooja' (worship of weapons) as the Defence Minister this year in Paris on the occasion of Dussehra where he is going to receive the Rafale aircraft on October 8. Shastra Pooja is an old Hindu tradition where warriors perform pooja of their arms and weapons.

"During his days as Home Minister, Rajnath Singh would perform Shastra pooja every Dussehra. Now as a defence Minister also, he would continue the tradition," Defence officials close to Rajnath Singh said. Rajnath Singh Warns Pakistan on PoK Again, Says 'Don't Repeat Mistake of 1971'.

The Minister is leaving for Paris shortly where he is supposed to meet French President Emanuel Macron and then proceed to Bordeaux for receiving the first Rafale aircraft made for India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his days as chief minister also used to perform Shastra pooja on every Dussehra of both ancient and modern arms.