Introduction
The participation of women in the workforce has seen a significant rise in India over the years. However, the presence of women in blue-collar jobs remains relatively low due to societal norms, gender biases, and infrastructural challenges. Blue-collar jobs, which primarily involve manual labor, include roles in construction, manufacturing, logistics, and other labor-intensive industries.
Who is Lord Vishwakarma?
Lord Vishwakarma is a significant deity in Hindu mythology, regarded as the architect of the universe. He is believed to have constructed the divine cities, celestial chariots, and weapons used by gods and demigods. Various Hindu scriptures, including the Rigveda and Mahabharata, describe Lord Vishwakarma as the master craftsman, attributing numerous marvelous creations to him.
Attributes and Iconography
Lord Vishwakarma is often depicted as an elderly man with a long beard, adorned in regal attire, holding a measuring scale, a plumb bob, and a chisel—tools symbolic of architecture and craftsmanship. His divine mount is usually an elephant, representing wisdom and strength.
Mythological Significance
Lord Vishwakarma is credited with the creation of several divine structures, including:
Weapons for the Gods – Including the Sudarshan Chakra for Lord Vishnu and the Trishul for Lord Shiva.
Swarga (Heaven) – The celestial abode of Lord Indra.
Dwarka – The legendary kingdom of Lord Krishna.
Pushpaka Vimana – The flying chariot of Lord Ravana, later used by Lord Rama.
Golden Lanka – The magnificent city ruled by Ravana, constructed on Lord Vishwakarma’s design.
Hastinapur and Indraprastha – The royal cities of the Kuru dynasty.
Significance of Vishwakarma Jayanti
Devotion Among Workers
Vishwakarma Jayanti is particularly significant for skilled laborers, engineers, and craftsmen. It is considered an auspicious occasion to worship tools, machinery, and instruments. Workers seek Lord Vishwakarma’s blessings for safety, prosperity, and success in their respective trades.
Industrial and Workplace Worship
Factories, workshops, and offices perform special prayers, where workers decorate machinery with flowers, apply vermillion, and offer sweets as a mark of reverence. Many businesses remain closed for a day, allowing employees to participate in rituals and celebrations.
When is Vishwakarma Jayanti Celebrated?
Lord Vishwakarma Jayanti is usually observed on Kanya Sankranti, which falls in the month of Bhadrapada (August–September). However, in some regions, it is also celebrated on Diwali (October–November), particularly by artisans and business owners in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.
How is Vishwakarma Jayanti Celebrated?
1. Puja and Rituals
- Special prayers and havans (fire rituals) are conducted in factories, workshops, and temples dedicated to Lord Vishwakarma.
- Devotees set up Vishwakarma idols and perform arti (ritual worship) with incense, diyas (lamps), and flowers.
- Machinery and tools are cleaned, decorated, and worshipped before resuming work.
2. Offerings and Prasadam
- Devotees prepare and distribute prasadam such as sweets, fruits, and kheer (rice pudding).
- Some communities organize feasts for workers and staff members.
3. Ritualistic Flying of Kites
In eastern states like West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha, Vishwakarma Jayanti coincides with kite flying festivals, symbolizing joy, prosperity, and divine blessings.
4. Community Celebrations
- Many industries host cultural programs and competitions to honor workers’ skills and craftsmanship.
- Employers often distribute bonuses or gifts to their workers as a token of appreciation.
Regional Celebrations
North India
In states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab, Vishwakarma Jayanti is celebrated in engineering and construction sectors with grandeur. Special pujas in factories and workplaces are performed to seek the deity’s blessings.
Eastern India
In West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, and Jharkhand, Lord Vishwakarma is worshipped in industrial areas, and kite flying competitions are a major highlight of the celebrations.
Southern India
In Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala, Vishwakarma Jayanti is associated with temples, construction businesses, and artisans involved in metalwork, woodcraft, and engineering.
Lord Vishwakarma in Modern Times
Engineering and Technological Relevance
Lord Vishwakarma is often regarded as the patron deity of engineers and inventors. His principles of design and creation are revered in modern architecture and engineering. Many engineering colleges, institutions, and technology firms celebrate Vishwakarma Jayanti as a tribute to the spirit of innovation and creativity.
Industrial Growth and Workforce Respect
Vishwakarma Jayanti reinforces the importance of skilled laborers and craftsmen in industrial and technological advancements. The festival serves as a reminder to acknowledge and respect workers’ contributions to economic growth.
Conclusion
Lord Vishwakarma Jayanti is not just a religious festival; it is a celebration of innovation, craftsmanship, and industrial progress. It is a day to honor the labor force, engineers, and artisans who contribute to building the nation’s infrastructure. Whether celebrated in factories, workshops, or homes, this festival fosters a spirit of gratitude, respect, and devotion toward the tools and trades that shape our world.
By worshipping Lord Vishwakarma, devotees seek blessings for skill enhancement, professional success, and prosperity in their endeavors. The festival continues to hold immense cultural and industrial significance, symbolizing the eternal connection between divine craftsmanship and human creativity.
