06/08/2015
Vishwakarma Puja Date (Viswakarma Jayanthi)
Vishwakarma Puja is a festival dedicated to Lord Vishwakarma, who according to the Hindu mythology is the Lord of Creation and the Principal Universal Architect who designed the divine architecture of the entire universe - the heaven and the earth. With his representation - sitting on the back of his elephant, and holding a water pot, the Vedas, a noose and craftsmen's tools in each of his four hands, he is highly regarded as the Patron God of all workers and professionals. It is believed that it was he who revealed the mysteries of sciences of the industry to mankind and therefore, is revered as the supreme worker with excellence in craftsmanship.
Also known as Vishwakarma Day, it is not only celebrated by the engineering and architectural community, but also by other professionals like artisans, craftsmen, weavers, mechanics, smiths, welders, industrial workers and factory workers. It's because according to the religious texts, he is said to be the designer of all flying chariots of Gods and their weapons, tools and their divine attributes. Which is why on this day, idols and images of Lord Vishwakarma and his faithful elephant are established in every workplace and factories which are beautifully decorated with pandals wherein the Puja takes place.
Even the family members of the workers and employees come together to be a part of the Puja and the dull premises of the factories and industries come alive with the celebrations. Everybody gathers together under the pandal to perform the Puja and thereafter Prasad (offerings) are distributed among all the people. Apart from this, each professional's respective tools are also worshipped in Vishwakarma's name and blessings are sought for a better future, safe working environment, and success in their respective fields. The tools which are worshipped in His name aren't put to work on this day and all work remains closed.
There's also a tradition to fly multi-colored kites because of which the sky becomes a war zone and the competitive spirit reaches an all time high as each one tries to cut the other's kite and yell "Ibo Kaata" on top of his voice. Celebrated in all parts of India, Vishwakarma Puja falls on Padyami, the first day of Kartika Masa and is performed on the fourth day of Diwali, i.e. the day after Diwali. However, in some states like West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Kerala and Orissa, Vishwakarma Puja(Viswakarma Jayanthi) is also celebrated on the 17th of September every year and doesn't change according to the dates of the lunar calendar.
