Viswakarma is known as the divine engineer since the Puranic age. As a mark of reverence, he is not only worshipped by the engineering community but also by all professionals.
Viswakarma Puja :
This festival is celebrated in the month of September. On this day all the workers in the workshops and offices worship their tools and instruments in front of Lord Viswakarma, which are generally used in their profession.
This is the puja of Lord Viswakarma, the main architect of the universe who had fabricated the universe as per the direction of Brahma, the lord of creation.
Viswakarma Puja is celebrated by all industrial houses, artists, craftsmen, and weavers. The festival is observed on the Kanya Sankranti Day (September) which follows the Ganesh Puja.
Legends of Viswakarma Puja :
In Hindu religious texts, he is known as 'Devashilpi' or 'The Architect of Gods'. His mother’s name was Yogasiddha, sister was known as Brihaspati. His father was called Prabhas, the eighth hermit of the legendary Astam Basu.
According to mythology, it is Lord Vishwakarma who made not only the universe but also the earth and heaven. It is said that Vishwakarma also created the weapons used in mythological times like the Vajra made from the bones of Dadhichi sage used by Lord Indra. Lord Vishwakarma is considered to be the best worker, the symbol of quality and excellence in craftsmanship.
Mythology describes some of Vishwakarma’s creations in vivid detail. They include the mythical town of Dwarka, the capital of Lord Krishna. It is also aid that Vishwakarma built the town of Hastinapur, the capital of Pandavas and Kauravas. Vishwakarma also built the town of Indraprastha for the Pandavas. Most important of all creations is Vishwakarma’s Sone ki Lanka where demon king Ravana lived and ruled.
The Legend of Dadhichi Rishi :
According to mythology, it is Viswakarma who created the entire universe as well as the heaven and the earth. Viswakarma is also credited for creating the missiles used in the mythological era, including the Vajra the sacred weapon of Lord Indra, from the bones of sage Dadhichi.
He is regarded as the supreme worker, the very essence of excellence and quality in craftsmanship. Viswakarma is the divine architect of the whole universe. He has four hands, carrying a water-pot, a book, a noose and craftsman's tools.
Vishvakarma Puja Celebrations :
This festival of Viswakarma Puja is celebrated with full enthusiasm. It is observed mostly in workshops, offices, and factories in the industrial areas. Shop floors in various factories wear a festive look on this occasion. In beautifully decorated pandals the image of Viswakarma and his faithful elephant are inaugurated and worshipped.
The industrial towns in the urban areas come alive with decorative pandals and loudspeakers. Most factories around the area declare the annual bonus on this day. The puja pandals are usually made within the factory premises. On this day family members of the employees come together to create a bright moment in an otherwise dull and mundane workshop. The entire factory workforce sits together for lunch.
The rituals are followed by the distribution of "prasad". The yearly feast is cooked and the workmen and the owners take their lunch get together. People are also found to be flying multi-color kites. The sky fills up with all shades and colors. Chadians, Mombattis, Chowrangees, Petkattas, Mayurpankhis, Baggas fly high to establish the skills of the fliers.
The sky becomes a war zone with the discarded kites dropping every now and then with the cry of "Boho-Kattaaa" from the distant roofs or parks.
