Bhubaneswar: Also known as ‘Vishwakarma Jayanti’, Vishwakarma Puja is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Hindu god Vishwakarma, who was a divine architect. He is said to be the creator of the world or Swayambhu, besides the holy city of Dwarka, where Lord Krishna ruled and the Mahasabha of the Pandavas.
Lord Vishwakarma is also considered to be a divine carpenter who made many magnificent weapons for the gods. He is said to have composed the Sthapatya Veda, which is the science of mechanics and architecture. The festival is annually celebrated on the Kanya Sankranti when Surya Dev or Sun leaves Leo zodiac sign and enters Virgo.
Observed on September 17, the festival is celebrated in states of the northern and eastern belt viz. Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tripura. Vishwakarma Puja is mainly observed by craftsmen, carpenters, industrial workers, engineers, architects, artisans, mechanics, smiths, welders, factory workers and others.
The workers pay their respects to the lord and seek blessings for prosperity, safe working conditions and success in their respective professions. Besides, machineries and electronic equipments used in factories and industries are also worshipped on this day. This is mainly done on the floor of the shop or manufacturing head office.
For the Puja, an idol of Lord Vishwakarma is placed at every factory or workplace in colourful, decorated pandals. The tools and equipments are worshipped chanting lord Vishwakarma’s name and holy hymns. After this, the tools and equipments are kept aside only to be used the next day.
Offerings or Prasad is given after the rituals are over. This is followed by a special lunch which consists of sumptuous delicacies. In some places, working is closed for the day and all the workers unite to celebrate this occasion. Various religious and cultural events also take place.
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Ms Kalinga