Vishwakarma Festival



Detailed Information about Vishwakarma Festival & Its Importance


Vishwakarma Festival is one of the most eagerly awaited festivals especially in states like West Bengal, Orissa, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Bihar and Tripura. It is dedicated to Lord Vishwakarma, who according to the Puranic texts is the divine engineer of the universe. This grand festival is celebrated on 17th September of every year by the engineering community including industrial workers, artisans, craftsmen, weavers and mechanics.

The legend behind the Vishwakarma Festival

According to the Purans, it is believed that Lord Vishwakarma following the orders of Lord Brahma created the entire universe, the earth and heaven and the things within. He also created all the tools and weapons used in mythological times like the "Vajra", which he made for Lord Indra. He was a divine carpenter whose name is mentioned in the Rig Veda. He is also credited as the creator of the mythical town of Dwarka, the capital of Lord Krishna. Other important creations that reflected his quality craftsmanship included the Palace of Hastinapur, the capital of Pandavas and Kauravas and the "Sone Ki Lanka" (the Golden Palace) which was the abode of Ravan, the demon king in Hindu mythology. So, to show reverence to the divine architect, the workers and craftsmen worship their machines and tools and refrain from using them.

The Vishwakarma Celebration

The Vishwakarma Festival is celebrated most heartily by the industrial and factory workers. Holiday is observed in most of these workplaces. People who own vehicles and iron machines clean and apply vermilion on them. Beautifully decorated pandals are placed inside the premises of factories and industries with the idol of Lord Vishwakarma and his elephant which is considered as his vehicle. Fresh fruits and sweets are offered to the idol. People pray to the idol for the better functioning of the machines and future success. After the worship delicious food and sweets are distributed to all the workers and other visitors to this festival. Cultural programmes are also held in most of the workplaces. People also enjoy the fest by dancing and singing. The celebration goes all night long.

Kite flying is also one of the main activities seen during the festival. People fly kites of various colours and sizes. Colourful kites flying high up in the clear blue sky looks really overwhelming.

Finally, when the great celebration comes to an end, a grand procession is taken out to the rivers and seas. People drown the idol of Lord Vishwakarma in water and bid goodbye to the Vishwakarma festival.