Introduction
Vishwakarma Puja, also known as Vishwakarma Jayanti or Vishwakarma Day, is a vibrant and deeply revered festival in India dedicated to Lord Vishwakarma, the divine architect and celestial engineer of the universe according to Hindu mythology. Regarded as the ‘Adidev’ of engineering, architecture, craftsmanship, and all forms of mechanical work, Lord Vishwakarma is venerated by artisans, carpenters, engineers, architects, mechanics, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, and all those who earn their livelihood through tools and machinery.
The festival is traditionally observed on the last day of the Bengali month Bhadra, which usually falls around September 17 in the Gregorian calendar. In some regions, particularly in the southern and western parts of India, Vishwakarma Puja is celebrated on the day after Diwali (Govardhan Puja), marking another version of the observance.
Significance of the Festival
Vishwakarma Puja is a celebration of skill, innovation, and craftsmanship. It’s the day when professionals across industries offer prayers to their tools, machines, and workplaces, seeking safety, success, and productivity in their work. The celebration serves as an important reminder of the role of labor, ingenuity, and human effort in shaping civilizations.
On this day, workshops, factories, industrial areas, garages, and even schools and corporate offices (especially those related to engineering and design) are cleaned and decorated with flowers, rangolis, and festoons. Idols and portraits of Lord Vishwakarma are installed, and pujas are conducted with great devotion. In many places, tools and machinery are not used on this day, as they are worshipped and given rest in reverence to the deity.
Places Where Vishwakarma Puja is Celebrated in a Grand Way
While Vishwakarma Puja is celebrated across India, there are certain regions and cities where the festival takes on a grander and more community-driven form, often involving public events, large-scale decorations, processions, and collective offerings.
1. West Bengal
West Bengal is one of the epicenters of Vishwakarma Puja celebrations. In Kolkata and other parts of the state:
- Factories, engineering workshops, printing presses, and even government and private offices organize elaborate rituals.
- Large idols of Lord Vishwakarma are installed in pandals, and communities come together for collective worship.
- Kite flying competitions are a special feature in many neighborhoods, adding a festive vibrance to the sky.
2. Odisha
In Odisha, especially in cities like Cuttack, Rourkela, and Bhubaneswar, Vishwakarma Puja is celebrated with colorful decorations in industrial areas and garages.
- Mechanics, craftsmen, and industrial workers observe this day with great reverence.
- Public pandals are seen in prominent industrial zones.
3. Bihar and Jharkhand
These two states have a large population of artisans, laborers, and factory workers who hold Lord Vishwakarma in high esteem.
- In cities like Patna, Ranchi, Dhanbad, and Jamshedpur, huge celebrations are organized in both factories and households.
- There are cultural programs, community feasts, and prize distributions in various industrial belts.
4. Uttar Pradesh
In urban areas like Kanpur, Lucknow, Noida, and Ghaziabad, where there is a significant presence of manufacturing units and industrial setups, Vishwakarma Puja is marked by collective prayers and machine worship.
- Many government departments related to engineering and PWD observe this day ceremoniously.
5. Karnataka
In Karnataka, especially in Bengaluru and industrial hubs like Peenya, Vishwakarma Puja is celebrated a day after Diwali.
- Technicians, IT engineers, and artisans participate in the puja with enthusiasm.
- Workshops and startups often hold small celebrations honoring the divine craftsman.
6. Tamil Nadu
In Chennai and Coimbatore, major industrial and automobile hubs, Vishwakarma Puja is celebrated after Diwali with pujas in factories and garages.
- Workers install images of Lord Vishwakarma and decorate their tools and workplaces with flowers and banana leaves.
7. Maharashtra
In cities like Mumbai and Pune, industries and mechanical workshops observe Vishwakarma Puja with prayers and offerings.
- In regions with Maratha artisan communities, special rituals are held in homes.
8. Delhi and NCR
The National Capital Region, with its dense network of small and large-scale industries, sees widespread observance of Vishwakarma Puja.
- Office spaces and IT firms also observe the day in a symbolic manner, paying homage to innovation and creativity.
9. Punjab and Haryana
In cities like Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and Faridabad, which are known for their engineering and manufacturing industries, Vishwakarma Puja is a day of reverence and community celebration.
Contemporary Relevance
In recent years, Vishwakarma Puja has also come to symbolize the dignity of labor and the importance of skilled professions. In the era of startups, technology, and engineering innovations, this festival has expanded its relevance beyond traditional artisans to include engineers, architects, IT professionals, and even designers. Many educational institutions and colleges in the fields of engineering and architecture conduct Vishwakarma Day celebrations, seminars, and exhibitions showcasing innovation and creativity.
Conclusion
Vishwakarma Puja is not merely a religious festival but a celebration of craftsmanship, engineering prowess, and the dignity of labor in all its forms. Across the length and breadth of India, from the bustling factories of Jamshedpur to the high-tech hubs of Bengaluru and the artistic neighborhoods of Kolkata, this day serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of creation and innovation that shapes human progress.