Vishwakarma Puja is a significant Hindu festival that celebrates Lord Vishwakarma, revered as the divine architect and craftsman. It is a day dedicated to the creator of the universe and the god of engineering, architecture, and all forms of craftsmanship. Every year, the festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm, particularly by those in professions related to construction, machinery, technology, and craftsmanship. In 2024, Vishwakarma Puja will be celebrated on September 17.
Date and Timings of Vishwakarma Puja 2024
Vishwakarma Puja is observed on the last day of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, also known as Kanya Sankranti, which typically falls in mid-September. In 2024, the puja will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 17.
The auspicious time for Vishwakarma Puja, also known as the muhurat, varies depending on geographical location. It’s advised to perform the rituals early in the morning when the positive energies are believed to be at their peak. The exact timing for the puja is typically between 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, depending on the Panchang (Hindu calendar).
History of Vishwakarma Puja
The history of Vishwakarma Puja is rooted in ancient Hindu texts, where Lord Vishwakarma is described as the divine architect who designed the heavens, palaces, and the celestial vehicles of the gods. According to the Vedas, the oldest Hindu scriptures, Lord Vishwakarma is credited with constructing various magnificent cities, such as Dwarka (the kingdom of Lord Krishna) and the golden Lanka (Ravana’s capital in the Ramayana).
In addition to architectural feats, Lord Vishwakarma is also regarded as the creator of divine weapons, such as Lord Shiva’s Trishul and Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshan Chakra. His contributions to engineering, machinery, and the arts of design and construction earned him a place of high respect among artisans, mechanics, engineers, and industrial workers, who regard him as their patron deity.
Historically, the festival gained more prominence during the industrial revolution in India, as factories and workshops began to institutionalize Vishwakarma Puja as a formal event, honoring the tools, machines, and technologies that contribute to the progress of their industries.
Significance of Vishwakarma Puja
The celebration of Vishwakarma Puja holds immense importance for professionals involved in fields related to technology, architecture, engineering, and manufacturing. Artisans, craftsmen, factory workers, and industrialists worship their tools and machinery on this day to invoke Lord Vishwakarma’s blessings for safety, success, and prosperity in their work.
The festival is particularly celebrated in states like West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Assam, where industrial activities are prominent. However, with India’s growing technological and engineering prowess, the relevance of Vishwakarma Puja has expanded to include IT professionals, designers, and engineers, who also seek the blessings of Lord Vishwakarma for innovation and creativity in their respective fields.
Symbolism of Tools and Machinery
An essential aspect of the puja is the symbolic worship of tools and machinery. From small tools used by artisans to large machinery in factories, everything is cleaned and adorned with flowers and sindoor (vermilion) as a mark of respect. This ritual reflects the deep cultural reverence for instruments of labor, which are seen not merely as objects but as sacred entities that facilitate growth and creation. Workers pray for the longevity of their machines and safety from accidents and breakdowns.
Rituals and Celebrations
On Vishwakarma Puja, elaborate rituals are performed, starting with the cleaning and decoration of workplaces, factories, and workshops. Workers and engineers assemble for a collective prayer to Lord Vishwakarma, seeking his protection and guidance. Offerings of fruits, flowers, sweets, and coconut are made, and the puja concludes with an aarti, a ceremonial act of worship accompanied by devotional songs.
In many workplaces, it is customary to organize community feasts and distribute prasad (sacred food) among employees. Machines and tools, whether in factories or offices, remain unused for the entire day after the puja, symbolizing a day of rest and renewal for both tools and workers.
Another notable aspect of Vishwakarma Puja is the ritual of flying kites, particularly in West Bengal and parts of Bihar. The sky becomes a canvas of colorful kites, adding a festive flair to the day. It is believed that kite flying during Vishwakarma Puja represents the rise of new aspirations and ambitions, much like the kites soaring high.
Vishwakarma Puja is not just a religious festival but a celebration of the skill, craftsmanship, and labor that form the backbone of industries and technological advancements. As India continues to evolve as a major industrial and technological hub, the festival’s significance has only grown. Whether you are a professional working with your hands or a creator in the digital world, Vishwakarma Puja serves as a reminder of the divine connection between creativity, innovation, and progress.
