Dipak Kurmi
(The writer can be reached at dipakkurmiglpltd@gmail.com.)
India, a land where tradition and modernity weave an intricate tapestry, is renowned for its myriad festivals, each holding cultural, spiritual, or social significance. Among these countless celebrations, Vishwakarma Puja stands apart for its rare ability to bridge mythology with modern industry, spirituality with labour, and divine creativity with human craftsmanship. Celebrated annually on September 17 or 18, this festival reveres Lord Vishwakarma, the celestial architect and divine craftsman of Hindu mythology, who is credited with shaping some of the most iconic structures, weapons, and instruments in the cosmic order.
More than a ritualistic observance, Vishwakarma Puja serves as a tribute to human creativity, innovation, and the unseen hands that build the world around us. From the artisans who carve delicate idols to the engineers who design massive industrial infrastructures, the festival honours the indomitable spirit of skilled labour that continues to sustain society. In doing so, Vishwakarma Puja transcends its religious roots, becoming a cultural and industrial festival of national relevance.
The Mythological Foundations
of Vishwakarma
The origins of Vishwakarma Puja are steeped in Hindu mythology, where Lord Vishwakarma holds a distinguished position as the divine architect of the universe. According to sacred texts, he emerged from the very essence of Brahma, the creator, embodying the highest ideals of artistry, craftsmanship, and innovation. Often depicted with four arms, Vishwakarma carries symbols of his divine vocation: a pot of sacred water, a book of knowledge, a noose, and the tools of his trade. Together, these elements portray him as both a spiritual and practical force, blending wisdom with skill.
The epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana immortalise Vishwakarma’s creations, portraying him as an unparalleled craftsman whose artistry extended across the four yugas. In the Satya-yuga, he constructed Swarg Loke, the celestial abode of Indra, the king of gods. During the Treta-yuga, he built the legendary Sone Ki Lanka, or Golden Lanka, which later became the kingdom of Ravana, playing a pivotal role in the Ramayana’s narrative of Sita’s abduction and Lord Ram’s war against Ravana. The Dwapar-yuga witnessed his design of Dwarka, the coastal city that became Lord Krishna’s capital. He also shaped Hastinapur and Indraprastha, cities central to the Mahabharata.
One of Vishwakarma’s most remarkable works is the Golden Lanka, created at the request of Lord Shiva and Parvati during their celestial wedding. After Vishwakarma completed the palace, Ravana, performing the sacred house-warming rituals, impressed Shiva with his devotion, leading to the divine gifting of Lanka. Similarly, Indraprastha, constructed for the Pandavas, became the backdrop for the famous game of dice and subsequent events that led to the epic Kurukshetra war. These mythological accounts not only highlight the divine influence on art and architecture but also underscore the cultural reverence for craftsmanship as a sacred act.
Rituals and Observances: A Celebration of Tools and Toil
Though rooted in mythology, Vishwakarma Puja has evolved into a festival celebrated with unmatched zeal across India, particularly in factories, workshops, and industrial hubs. Unlike other festivals celebrated primarily in temples or households, Vishwakarma Puja is often observed in the workplace, making it unique among Indian traditions.
On this day, workers, artisans, and engineers transform their places of labour into sacred spaces. Temporary shrines or clay and metal idols of Lord Vishwakarma are installed, and rituals begin with the cleansing and decorating of tools, machinery, and workspaces. Cleanliness, considered essential for inviting divine blessings, marks the start of the celebration. Offerings of flowers, fruits, sweets, and prayers are made to seek Vishwakarma’s blessings for safety, prosperity, and skill enhancement.
One of the most distinctive features of the festival is the worship of tools and machinery. From simple hand tools to massive industrial machines, everything is blessed, reflecting a profound respect for the instruments of human progress. This ritual emphasizes the belief that tools, like the craftsman’s own hands, are sacred vessels of creativity.
The ceremonies typically conclude with aarti, where lamps are waved before the deity amid chants and hymns praising Vishwakarma. Prasad, sanctified food, is distributed to all participants, reinforcing the communal spirit of the festival. In many regions, workplaces also organize cultural programmes, competitions, and feasts, further strengthening bonds among workers.
Adding to the festivity is the tradition of kite flying, especially in industrial belts of eastern India. The sight of colourful kites filling the sky on Vishwakarma Puja has become a symbolic gesture of freedom, joy, and limitless human potential. For many, it serves as a vibrant prelude to Diwali, India’s festival of lights, which follows a month later.
Social and Cultural Significance
Vishwakarma Puja occupies a special place in India’s cultural landscape because it celebrates the often-overlooked contributions of labourers, artisans, and craftsmen—the unsung heroes who form the backbone of society. While much of modern discourse celebrates technology and corporate success, this festival acknowledges the grassroots workers whose skills make such progress possible.
In industrial towns, the day is considered particularly auspicious for inaugurating new factories, workshops, or machinery. Businesses use this occasion to honour employees, expressing gratitude for their hard work and dedication. It is not uncommon for management and labourers to come together in collective celebrations, breaking down hierarchical barriers, if only temporarily, and fostering a spirit of unity.
The festival’s social relevance also lies in its reminder of the dignity of labour. By elevating the role of artisans and engineers to a divine plane, Vishwakarma Puja underscores the cultural value of work itself. In a society where labour often goes unrecognised, this celebration reaffirms that every act of creation—whether artistic, industrial, or mechanical—carries a spark of the divine.
Vishwakarma’s Influence
in the Modern Era
While rooted in mythological lore, Vishwakarma Puja resonates strongly in the modern age of industrialisation, technological advancement, and digital innovation. Lord Vishwakarma, as the archetype of creativity and innovation, embodies the very qualities that drive today’s global economy.
In contemporary India, engineers, architects, designers, and factory workers alike find inspiration in the figure of Vishwakarma. His mythological legacy serves as a cultural metaphor for the human spirit’s capacity to innovate, build, and reimagine the world. Just as Vishwakarma blurred the lines between functionality and beauty in his divine creations, today’s creators are challenged to combine technology with sustainability and efficiency with aesthetics. Moreover, the festival acts as a reminder that behind every skyscraper, bridge, or industrial plant lies not just technological know-how but also the sweat, skill, and imagination of countless workers. By celebrating these contributions, Vishwakarma Puja reinforces the importance of valuing both human labour and technological progress.
Interestingly, the festival’s themes also align with the global push for innovation-driven economies. As India aspires to become a hub of manufacturing and technological excellence under initiatives like “Make in India” and “Digital India”, the symbolic relevance of Vishwakarma as the divine craftsman gains renewed significance. The festival, therefore, becomes not just a religious observance but also a cultural affirmation of India’s industrial and technological ambitions.
A Timeless Tribute to Creativity
At its heart, Vishwakarma Puja is more than a ritual—it is a vibrant tribute to the human spirit of creativity and innovation. It honours not only a divine creator but also the millions of artisans, engineers, and workers who, often away from the spotlight, shape the visible and invisible infrastructures of society. The festival reminds us that every invention, every piece of art, and every act of craftsmanship is part of a continuum that stretches back to the mythic works of Vishwakarma himself. It calls upon individuals across professions to strive for excellence, respect their tools, and recognise the divine potential within their work. As India continues to balance its ancient traditions with modern aspirations, Vishwakarma Puja stands as a timeless celebration of this balance. It acknowledges that progress, whether in myth or modernity, is always built on the foundation of creativity, labour, and divine inspiration.
In the grand mosaic of India’s festivals, Vishwakarma Puja holds a unique place as a festival that celebrates both the divine and the human, both mythology and modernity. It serves as a cultural reminder that creativity is sacred, labour is dignified, and innovation is eternal. By venerating Lord Vishwakarma, the festival pays homage to the forces—divine and human—that construct our world, from celestial palaces in myth to towering skyscrapers in reality. As colourful kites soar into the September sky and machines are draped in garlands, Vishwakarma Puja continues to inspire generations to see work not as mere toil, but as a sacred act of creation. In doing so, it remains a timeless tribute to the enduring legacy of the divine architect and the boundless spirit of human ingenuity.