In offices, factories and workshops across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala, Ayudha Pooja is the day the workplace itself is honoured. Machines are cleaned and decorated, tools and vehicles are blessed, and the whole team gathers for the puja. For HR and admin teams, it is also one of the biggest employee gifting moments of the year, arriving just before Diwali.
Here are Ayudha Pooja gift ideas for employees under ₹500 and ₹1,000, plus simple office decoration ideas for the day.
Ayudha Pooja 2026 date
Ayudha Pooja falls on Tuesday, 20 October 2026 according to Drik Panchang, on the same day as Vijayadashami and Dussehra. Saraswati Puja falls on Saturday, 17 October. Some calendars list Ayudha Pooja on Monday, 19 October, so confirm with your office before you plan the celebration. Most offices do the puja on the last working day before the holiday.
The traditional Ayudha Pooja gift
The classic gift is a small bag with pori (puffed rice), pottukadalai, sundal, fruits, a sweet and a coconut, handed to every employee after the puja. That tradition matters and should stay. Many companies now add a second, lasting gift alongside it: something the employee takes home to their family.
Ayudha Pooja gifts for employees under ₹500
A creative kit everyone does together
Our Magic Hour kits cost ₹499 plus GST per person and turn the gift into a shared experience. Each kit has everything one person needs, plus a messy mat for easy cleanup, and takes 45 minutes to an hour. Do the kits together after the puja, or let employees take them home.
Festive choices that suit Ayudha Pooja and the Diwali weeks that follow:
- Diya Decoration: everyone paints diyas that go straight into the Diwali celebrations three weeks later.
- Candle Painting: hand-painted candles, a glowing reminder of the day.
- Meditative Mandala: a pebble, a dotting tool and a calm 45 minutes.
The minimum order is five kits, a GST invoice is sent within 24 to 48 hours, and delivery is free on every order.
Other ideas under ₹500
- DIY Mini Painting Kit (₹499): mini canvases, paints and stencils.
- A steel tiffin or water bottle: a practical, long-lasting favourite.
- A small plant for the desk: a green, low-maintenance gift.
Ayudha Pooja gifts for employees under ₹1,000
- DIY Diya Decoration Kit (₹649): paints and rhinestones to decorate diyas for Diwali at home.
- Grow in a Can (₹549): basil, oregano, cilantro or fenugreek to grow at home.
- DIY Microgreens Kit (₹699): fresh greens on a kitchen windowsill.
- DIY Japanese Kokedama Kit (₹799): a moss-ball plant that looks designer-made.
- DIY Sand Art Kit (₹899): great for employees with young children.
- DIY Mini Perfume Kit (₹999): blend a signature scent.
- DIY Mini Terrarium Kit (₹999): a tiny garden in a bottle.
Ayudha Pooja decoration ideas for the office
- Clean first. Ayudha Pooja begins with cleaning every machine, laptop, tool and vehicle. Make it a team activity the afternoon before.
- Mark each item. Apply sandalwood paste and kumkum to machines, tools, books and laptops, and add a small flower.
- Banana stems and mango leaves. Tie banana stems at the entrance and string a mango-leaf thoranam across the doorway.
- A kolam at the entrance. A rice-flour kolam with a few marigold petals sets the tone for the day.
- Painted diyas around the puja area. Let each team paint a diya and place them together around the altar.
- A paper-free board decoration. Instead of printed banners, decorate the notice board with the team's own painted pieces.
When to order Ayudha Pooja gifts
Magic Hour kits take 7 to 8 business days to arrive, and couriers slow down during the festive season. For gifts in hand before the puja on 19 or 20 October, place your order by Tuesday, 6 October. If you are also planning Diwali gifts, you can order both together; see our corporate Diwali gifting timeline.
Ayudha Pooja gifts: frequently asked questions
What is a good Ayudha Pooja gift for employees?
Keep the traditional bag of pori, sundal, fruits and sweets, and add a lasting gift such as a DIY kit, a plant or a useful household item. A Magic Hour kit at ₹499 plus GST doubles as a team activity after the puja.
When is Ayudha Pooja in 2026?
Ayudha Pooja is on Tuesday, 20 October 2026 per Drik Panchang, alongside Vijayadashami. Some calendars list 19 October, so check your local calendar.
How do you decorate the office for Ayudha Pooja?
Clean every machine and tool, mark them with sandalwood paste and kumkum, add flowers, tie banana stems and a mango-leaf thoranam at the entrance, and draw a kolam. Painted diyas around the puja area complete the look.
Can we get a GST invoice for Ayudha Pooja gifts?
Yes. Enter your company name, GST number, registered address and the point of contact's email when you order, and the invoice is sent within 24 to 48 hours.
Honour the workplace and the people in it. Explore Magic Hour for team kits, or talk to our corporate team about Ayudha Pooja and Diwali gifting together.
