~ Hindu Festivals ~

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Ugadi

Ugadi or Yugadi is one of the most important Hindu festivals which have derived its name from two Sanskrit words: Yug and Adi, meaning Age and New Beginning respectively, which on putting together means "The Beginning of New Age". The day on which it is celebrated is the start of the New Year as per the Hindu lunisolar calendar. It is believed that it was on this day that Lord Brahma gave shape to the entire universe, including earth and the life which sustains within. That's why Ugadi is the official New Year for people of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. However, its celebrations are not just limited to these two states but extend to other states as well: Maharashtra, Punjab, Bengal, Assam, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and the Sindh province of Pakistan, though it goes by different names. Ugadi falls on different dates each year, but always in either the month of March or April.

Before the actual day of Ugadi, a few days or a week before, people painstakingly start cleaning their homes and start shopping for new clothes and other items that go with the celebrations. Then on the day, devotees wake up before the sun rises and take ritualistic oil baths and decorate their homes with rangolis and mango leaves. It is believed that doing so brings in good tidings and general well-being in the New Year. Family gatherings and indulging in wholesome dishes, including the traditional Ugadi Pachhadi, leaves the devotees filled and contented with whatever unrequited has passed by and whatever glad tidings may befriend them in future. Chanting of mantras, predictions for the New Year, Kavi Sammelans (poetic recitations), Carnatic music and classical dances in the evening constitutes rest of the day. The day is also considered to be an auspicious and blessed one to start afresh with positivity, leaving behind all that is gone, for the rest of the year ahead. Explore this section to know more about this Hindu New year festival called Ugadi.

Ugadi 2012: 23 March

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Ugadi Songs

According to Hindu mythology, the first day of the lunar month of Chaitra is believed to be the day of the commencement of New Year. This day is celebrated in the Deccan region of India with full fun and fervor; however, it is celebrated at other states too but with different names. The festival also known as Samvatsradi, is known as Yugadi/ Ugadi in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Maharashtra's mass calls it Gudi Padwa whereas Sindhis takes it as Cheti Chand and Manipuris celebrate it as Sajibu Cheiraoba. Following are some of the songs that can be sung in the evening of Ugadi, the first day of Hindu calendar:

Popular Ugadi Song Lyrics

Ugadi Ugadi Oh Swamy! Raavaa, maakai neevu
Raagaalivi poovulai neekai ponge maalo evo ||

Bhaavaalivigo palike svaagatham
Virodhivo Saadhuvo kaalaaniki levule
Bhedaalilalo tharachi choodagaa ||

Nee vaaramu snehamuto unnaamu kadaa
Kashtaallo Soukhyaallo vishvaasamuto
Unname nee maate vinname innaalloo
Elaa elaa lokamlo dvesham rosham kondamtha ||

Velgondenu Shukrunde Raaje ganuka
Ee Yedu etlainaa Shaanthe geluchu
Sadbhaavam Satsangam Saddharmam uppongu
Paadee Pantaa Poornamgaa Sachchidaanandam Pandinchu ||

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yuga yugAdi kaLedarU yugAdi maraLi barutide
hosa varushake hosa harushava hosatu hosatu tarutide

honge hUva tongalalli bhrungada sangIta kEli matte kELabarutide
bEvina kahi bALinalli hUvina nasugampu sUsi jIvakaLeya tarutide

varushakondu hosatu janma harushakondu hosatu neleyu akhila jIvajAtake
onde ondu janmadali onde bAlya onde haraya namagadashTE EtakO

niddegomme nitya maraNa edda sala navIna janana namage Eke bAradOelE sanatkumAradEva elE sAhasi chiranjIva ninage lIle sEradO

yuga yugAdi kaLedarU yugAdi maraLi barutide
hosa varushake hosa harushava hosatu hosatu tarutide nammanashTe maretide.

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Ugadi vela chilipiga kokilamma vese eelate
Karigina panjaralalona palikina panchadara veena

Kondalu taki chali konalu soki
Allari chese nemalendalalona
Ye vanavillu rege nalo
Pavada katti toli prayamu nade
Vakili teese priya vanchalu nede
Uyyalaluge uhalenno
Jalakamulade chilakamma
Puli yeduraite parugamma
Vetadagi pata medi verri bhamalu

Neeti nere selayekiti yerai
Cheeraga mari chilikintalalona
Cheammakaina chengu jare
Nelati reve cherasalaga mari
Chakkiliginte tagilinchina vela
Ye kondagalo kongulage
Puli yevarantaa chali komma
Gilipedutundi yedalona
Sheeghrameva vyaghramoste dikku ledule

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Significance of Ugadi

According to the Gregorian calendar, the whole world may celebrate New Year on 31st December - 1st January, but according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar, the New Year falls in the month of March or April. This New Year, also known as Ugadi, is celebrated in the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and by other names in many other states of India. The significance of Ugadi stems from mythological times when Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, began a series of wonderful creations, including that of the earth and all the life forms that live in it. The festival of Ugadi is celebrated to acknowledge that very day on which Lord Brahma started with the task. It is not only a New Year according to the Hindu calendar, but also sets the new astronomical cycle into motion. The celebrations and prayers that follow fill people's hearts with joy and contentment.

Leaving the past behind and starting afresh with positive expectation is one of the key aspects of Ugadi. The day also marks the beginning of spring season, which is considered to be the first of all seasons, with plants, shoots, and leaves coming to life and therefore, the day is believed to set things rolling for a fresh and successful new beginning. Devotees perform ritualistic pujas and seek blessings from God for health, wealth, prosperity, and success in businesses and work as well. It is for this reason that it is considered the best time to take on new ventures or personal goals for betterment of oneself. The day is preceded by the pre-Ugadi preparations that begin a few days before the actual day. It includes thoroughly cleaning the entire household and shopping for new clothes and other items that go with the requirements of the festival.

The day starts with devotees waking up before dawn and taking oil baths according to the ritual, after which they decorate their houses: the front with extensively prepared colorful rangolis and the doors and windows with strings of mango leaves that signify good crop and general well-being over the year. Ugadi Pachhadi, a unique dish of six different tastes, from sweet to bitter, is prepared on the day, which is also the first dish to be eaten by the devotees. Made up of neem buds, jaggery, green chili, salt, tamarind juice and unripe mango, the dish signifies different experiences in life that should be absorbed and to keep walking the good walk. It is also a day when mantras, chants and predictions for the coming year are made by the pundits. Apart from people visiting the temples and other gatherings to hear these predictions, live telecast of it from various religious places is aired on television. Family gatherings, feasts, and fanfare follow on this auspicious day of Ugadi.

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Ugadi Celebrations

Ugadi or Yugadi, the festival reserved to celebrate the commencement of New Year, is a day especially celebrated with huge fun and fervor in Deccan regions of India. It is assumed that Lord Brahma, the creator of the world began His creation on this day. The first day of bright half of the lunar month Chaitra is considered to be the day for Ugadi celebration, which generally falls in the months of March - April of the English calendar. The festival of Ugadi also welcomes the spring season when nature seem to be immersed in the festive mood and new leaves and new buds along with fresh breeze of spring manifold the Ugadi spirit. Scroll down the article to learn how the festivity is honored and rejoiced in several parts of India. Have a look.

Ugadi Celebrations in India

Andhra Pradesh
The day is dedicated to Lord Brahma, the great creator of the world who began creation on this very day. It is also a belief among Hindus that Lord Vishnu incarnated in Matsya avatar on this day. As one of the major festivals of Andhra Pradesh, it gathers huge attention of public as well as the media. Celebration includes cleaning of house and surrounding, decorating entrances with green mango leaves, buying new clothes for family and various other rituals. They wake up early morning and use Sesame oil to massage their head and body, post which they take head wash and visit temples to offer their prayers. People make delicious dishes on this day which they share with their loved ones. Some places like Telangana celebrate the festival for three days.

Karnataka
The day marks the beginning of the New Year and is considered to bring new hopes and happiness in life. At this auspicious occasion of commencement of spring, people make garlands of sweet scented Jasmine and offer them to God. They visit temples and offer prayers with sincerity while priests chant various mantras, developing spiritual aroma in surroundings. People whitewash their homes and decorate them with fresh mango leaves and flowers and they also practice the ritual of placing Kalasha beside their doors with coconut leave on it. For peace and harmony of their homes, they sprinkle cow dung water in front of their homes and make attractive Rangolis. Delicious dishes including Ugadi Pachchadi, Puliogure and Holidge are prepared for this occasion. At many places Bhakti songs and Kavi Sammelan are also held to give a platform to new blood so that they can reflect their literature and culture.

Maharashtra
Ugadi is famous as Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra, where it is believed that new ventures started on this day or purchases made give fruitful results. In Maharashtra, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is remembered on this day, so the day is seen as one depicting valiant Marathas who return home after a glorious victory in war. They raise swastika marked metal pot tied with a silk cloth which exhibits their victory and joy after successful expeditions in war.
On this day, after washing and cleaning their home, people decorate it with fresh green mango leaves and rangolis. They visit temples to offer prayers and distribute bitter Neem leaves as Prasad.

Sindhis
The day is known as 'Cheti Chand' among Sindhi people and it is seen as the birthday of Water God, (Varun devta) Sai Uderolal or Jhulelal. He is considered to appear on material earth to protect Sindhis from dictatorship of a ruler and saved Sindhi culture and Hinduism. The day is celebrated by worshipping water gods - Lord Jhulelal and Behrano Sahib; Chej, the folk dance of Sindhis is also performed on this day.

Manipur
Manipur knows Ugadi by 'Sajibu Cheiraoba', where 'Sajibu' refers to first of all the six seasons that make a year and 'Cheiraoba' means end of a year leading to beginning of another. Hence, the spirit and motive behind the celebration is same in Manipur as in other states, only the way of celebration and the name of festival differ.

On the day of Sajibu Cheiraoba, Manipuri people start rituals very early in the morning. Women of the house prepare Athelpot with the help of fine whole rice, raw vegetables, flowers and fruits of new season which is meant for offering to Lainingthou Sanamahi and Leimarel Ima Sidabi placed on southwest and middle north corner of the house respectively. Post prayers, food is cooked and offered to God spirits Hanu-Kokchao and Hanu Leikham with a prayer to protect the well-being of their house. At the fire place, Emoinu Ima is offered food in round-cut plantain leaves to defend the family from sorrows in the coming year. After rituals and prayers, whole family dines together, while married people visit their parents; this way the festival serves in strengthening the bonds in family.

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Ugadi Date

Ugadi, also known as Yugadi, is a Hindu festival celebrated by the people of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh with much vigor. Yug means new era and Adi means beginning; together it means beginning of a new era. In other words, it also means the beginning of a new astronomical cycle. The festival falls in the spring season and marks the first day of the New Year, which is the first day of Chaitra (March or April), the first month of the traditional Hindu calendar. But since the Hindu calendar is a lunisolar calendar, Ugadi falls on different dates every year and is also one of the most important festivals of the Hindus. Legend has it that it was on this day that the Creator of Hindu Pantheon, Lord Brahma, began his auspicious creation and created the Earth, and set days, nights, dates, weeks, fortnights, months, seasons and years to count the time.

Preparation for Ugadi begins a day or two before the actual date with people washing and cleaning their houses; buying new clothes is also one of the many traditions. On the day of Ugadi, people, especially of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, take an extensive ritualistic shower or oil bath followed by partaking in prayers for good health and prosperity in the coming year. Then as the day moves on, people decorate their houses with mango leaves and rangolis, and Ugadi Pachhadi (Telegu) or Bevu Bella (Kannada), a unique dish of a specific mixture with six different tastes is also prepared. The dish symbolizes different experiences ranging from sweet to bitter and that everyone should learn from these experiences and continue with life's journey. Later in the day, the event of Panchanga Sravanam is organized in many temples and cultural and religious gatherings are held, whereby predictions for the coming year are made.

Also held in many parts of these two states are Kavi Sammelans (poetic recitals), literary discussions, appreciation of authors for their literary work through awards and recognitions, and recitals of Carnatic music and classical dances. The day is considered a promising one to begin new ventures. Apart from being celebrated in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, Ugadi is also celebrated in many other states of India and goes by different names. In Maharashtra it goes by the name of Gudi Padwa, Sindhis celebrate it on the same day as Cheti Chand, in Punjab it is celebrated as Baisakhi, as Vishu in Kerala, and as Puthandu in Tamil Nadu. Names may be different, but one common thing that connects all the states with this festival is that, it is celebrated with much fanfare, sumptuous feasts, and delightful family gatherings. In 2012, Ugadi falls on 23rd of March, which is a Friday.

Ugadi in 2012: Friday, March 23, 2012

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Ugadi Rituals

Ugadi, one of the most important of the Hindu festivals, marks the beginning of the New Year according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar. The festival falls on different dates in either the month of March or April every year. Though particularly celebrated by that name in the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, it is also celebrated under different names in many other states such as Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Bengal, Assam, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Goa, and also the province of Sindh in Pakistan. Derived from Yuga and Adi, meaning Age and Beginning respectively, Ugadi means the beginning of a new age, wherein this day also sets the beginning of a new astronomical cycle. This meaning stems from the myth that it was on this day that Lord Brahma (the creator of all universe) began the creation cycle and set everything from an hour to a year to seasons to keep a record of time.

Ugadi Customs & Traditions
According to the traditions and rituals, preparations for the day of Ugadi begins a day or two prior to the actual date with ritualistic washing and cleaning of the houses, every inch and corner. Shopping for decorative items and new clothes to wear on the day is also an important custom that has been followed since one can remember. When the day dawns, ritualistic showers or oil baths are taken by the devotees; followed by prayers and chanting of mantras to facilitate good tidings in the year ahead. It is also believed that any venture that is started on this day ends in a success. After the baths, people start decorating their homes with colorful rangolis or Kolams that are drawn in the front and stringing together mango leaves on the doors and windows. According to an ancient tradition, people flock at the temples to listen to the predictions made by the pundits; this tradition is known as Panchanga Sravanam, which is still very popular as devotees eagerly wait for yearly forecast to be made. However, with the advent of technology and vast media coverage, many people prefer to watch this event on their television sets at homes.

Another inseparable ritual that has been followed for many years or maybe centuries is the preparation of a dish called Ugadi Pachhadi (Telegu). Also known as Bevu Bella in Kannada, the dish is a unique mixture of six different tastes, representing different experiences in life, which every individual should learn to respect and accept and move ahead unrelentingly. It's also the first dish that people have on this day. Made from Neem buds, symbolizing sadness for its bitter taste; Jaggery, symbolizing happiness for sweetness; green chili or pepper, symbolizing anger for its hotness; salt, symbolizing fear for its saltiness; Tamarind juice, symbolizing disgust for its sourness; and unripened mango, symbolizing surprise for its tanginess. Other special dishes like Obbattu and Bobbatlu are prepared in the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh respectively. Off late, literary discussions, Kavi Sammelans (poetic recitations), recognition of authors through awards and cultural programs for their contribution to literary works, and recitals of Carnatic music and dance programs in the evening have also become a custom on the day of Ugadi.

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Vishwakarma Puja

Vishwakarma Puja is a day to honor the master craftsman; the one who orchestrated it all-from the three-way universe to the cities of gods to the very weapons with which they fought off all the evil and to celestial chariots on which they rode through the air like the wind itself. It is Lord Vishwakarma, the divine engineer, who is considered as the presiding deity of all the architects. On the day, the otherwise mundane industries, factories and offices don on a whole different look as they prepare for the Puja and related rituals and traditions; many of them even remain close. Huge pandals (temporary tents) are set up, mostly inside the premises, and idols and images of Lord Vishwakarma, represented with a water pot, the Vedas, a noose, and craftsmen's tools in each of his four hands are ritualistically established. With everything wrapped up in the festive spirit, Vishwakarma Puja begins.

One key aspect that shines out in this festival is that, all - from management to employees to workers sit together for the Puja; even the family members of each person related to work are invited to attend the rituals. It's one grand get together to worship the one because of whom their living is earned. Tools, particular to each person's profession are also worshipped in the name of Lord Vishwakarma and his blessings are sought for success, prosperity, and good working conditions. Prasad (offerings) are then distributed among everyone and a final feast is held where, again, everybody participates gleefully irrespective of what his position is in the workforce. Apart from this, there's also quite an engaging tradition whereby kite fighting takes place. The festival of Vishwakarma Puja is held on the day after Diwali and in some parts of the country, it's also held on 17th September every year. Explore through rest of the sections to know more about the festival of Vishwakarma Puja; its history, significance, and much more.

Vishwakarma Puja 2012: 17 September

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Vishwakarma Puja Date

Vishwakarma Puja is a festival dedicated to Lord Vishwakarma, who according to the Hindu mythology is the Lord of Creation and the Principal Universal Architect who designed the divine architecture of the entire universe - the heaven and the earth. With his representation - sitting on the back of his elephant, and holding a water pot, the Vedas, a noose and craftsmen's tools in each of his four hands, he is highly regarded as the Patron God of all workers and professionals. It is believed that it was he who revealed the mysteries of sciences of the industry to mankind and therefore, is revered as the supreme worker with excellence in craftsmanship.

Also known as Vishwakarma Day, it is not only celebrated by the engineering and architectural community, but also by other professionals like artisans, craftsmen, weavers, mechanics, smiths, welders, industrial workers and factory workers. It's because according to the religious texts, he is said to be the designer of all flying chariots of Gods and their weapons, tools and their divine attributes. Which is why on this day, idols and images of Lord Vishwakarma and his faithful elephant are established in every workplace and factories which are beautifully decorated with pandals wherein the Puja takes place.

Even the family members of the workers and employees come together to be a part of the Puja and the dull premises of the factories and industries come alive with the celebrations. Everybody gathers together under the pandal to perform the Puja and thereafter Prasad (offerings) are distributed among all the people. Apart from this, each professional's respective tools are also worshipped in Vishwakarma's name and blessings are sought for a better future, safe working environment, and success in their respective fields. The tools which are worshipped in His name aren't put to work on this day and all work remains closed.

There's also a tradition to fly multi-colored kites because of which the sky becomes a war zone and the competitive spirit reaches an all time high as each one tries to cut the other's kite and yell "Ibo Kaata" on top of his voice. Celebrated in all parts of India, Vishwakarma Puja falls on Padyami, the first day of Kartika Masa and is performed on the fourth day of Diwali, i.e. the day after Diwali. However, in some states like West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Orissa, Vishwakarma Puja is also celebrated on the 17th of September every year and doesn't change according to the dates of the lunar calendar.

Vishwakarma Puja Date 2012: 17th September 2012 and 14 November.

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Vishwakarma Puja History

Vishwakarma Puja, also known as Vishwakarma Day, is celebrated every year on the 17th of September and the day after Diwali. On these days, Lord Vishwakarma is worshipped, who alone constitutes the entire history with which this festival is linked. According to the religious texts, Lord Vishwakarma is known as "Devashilpi" or "The Architect of Gods" and considered to be the sole architect and craftsman of Triloka or The Tripartite Universe - heavenly realms and their worlds, the mortal realms and their worlds, and the netherworldly and other celestial realms and worlds. His master craftsmanship however is deemed to be limitless as it is believed that he also created the flying chariots and weapons of Gods that were used in the mythological times, including the sacred weapon of Lord Indra known as Vajra which is made from the bones of sage Dadhichi. He is also believed to have given divine attributes to each of the weapon he created.

The sacred Hindu texts also describe many of Lord Vishwakarma's architectural marvels, towns and palaces for the Gods, through the four ages. Some of them are Swarga (Heaven) in the Satya Yuga; Sone ki Lanka (Golden Lanka), where demon king Ravana dwelled in the Treta Yuga; the city of Dwarka, the capital of Lord Krishna in the Dwapara Yuga; the town of Hastinapur, the capital of Pandavas and Kauravas from the Mahabharata; and the town of Indraprastha for the Pandavas. Even the texts of Mahabharata describe Lord Vishwakarma as "The Lord of Arts, Executor of a thousand Handicrafts, the Carpenter of the Gods, the most eminent of Artisans, the Fashioner of all ornaments ... and a great and immortal God..." Represented in idols and images with a water pot, the Vedas, a noose, and craftsmen's tools in each of his four hands, he is the divine engineer of the world.

The historical relevance related to Vishwakarma Day gains more weightage as not only is Lord Vishwakarma associated with creation but also with the manifestation of the sciences of industry to the humankind. It's because of this history that he is much revered by the devotees, more so by professionals like engineers, architects, artisans, craftsmen, weavers, mechanics, smiths, welders, industrial workers, and factory workers who make their living through their craftsmanship. And therefore on Vishwakarma Day, pandals are set up inside the premises of industries and factories and inside these pandals, images and idols of Lord Vishwakarma are established. The whole workforce, along with each employee's and worker's family, celebrates Vishwakarma Puja in unison. Even the tools, particular to each person's relative field, are worshipped in the name of Lord Vishwakarma and aren't used throughout the day. It's their day off! Then after the Puja is performed and the ritual is complete, Prasad (offerings) are distributed among everybody.

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Vishwakarma Puja Songs

Lord Vishwakarma is the presiding deity of the festival called Vishwakarma Puja. He is the builder god who built almost all of the creations including the heaven itself. A lot of scriptures have discussed about him in details, including the great epic Mahabharata in which he is described as, "The Lord of the Arts, Executor of a thousand Handicrafts, the Carpenter of the Gods, the most eminent of Artisans, the Fashioner of all ornaments ... and a great and immortal God..." This day is considered to be the birthday of this craftsman god. Though celebrated in all the states of India, this festival is observed especially in the states of West Bengal and Rajasthan. On this day, the craftsmen don't work; they worship their tools instead. In factories, lord Vishwakarma is worshipped and it is a no-working day for the workers. Songs are sung to invoke Lord Vishwakarma; if you are unaware of any such song, then you can pick from the songs we have chosen for you.

Vishwakarma Puja Bhajan

"Vishwakarma Aarti"

Jai shree Vishwakarma prabhu jai shri Vishwakarma.
Sakal Shrishti ke karta rakshak suttee dharma.
Aadi shridhti me vidhi ko shruti updesh dia.
Jeev maatra ka jag me gyaan vikas kia.
Rishi Angira tap se shaanti nahi paayi.
Rog grast raja ne jub aashray leena.
Sankat Mochan banker dukg door kina.
Jai shri Vishwakarma...
Jab rathkar dampati tumhari ter kari.
Sunkar deen prarthana vipat hari sagri.
Ekaanan, Chaturaanan, Panchaanan raaje.
Dwibhuj, Chaturbhuj, Dashbhuj sakal roop saaje.
Dhyan dharay tab pad ka, sakal siddhi aave.
Mann duvidha mit jaave, atal shakti pave.
Shree Vishwakarma ki aarti jo koi gave.
Bhajan gajanand swami such sampati pave.
Jai shri Vishwakarma...

"Vishwakarma Bhajan"

Tum hamare the Prabhu ji, tum hamare ho.
Tum hamare hi rahoge ,oh mere priyatam.
Hum tumhare the Prabhu ji, hum tumhare hai.
Hum tumhare hi rahenge, oh mere priyatam.
Tumhe chor sun Prabhu,koi na mit hamaro.
Tumhe chor sun Prabhu,koi na mit hamaro.
Kiske dware jaye pukaru,aur na koi saharo.
Ab to anke baho pakadlo,oh mere priyatam.
Tum hamare the Prabhu ji,tum hamare ho.
Tum hamare hi rahoge,oh mere Priyatam.
Tere karan sab jag chora,tum sang nata jora.
Tere karan saab jag chora,tum sang nata jora.
Ek bar Prabhu hans ke kehdo,Tu mera main tera.
Sanchi preet ki reet nibhalo,oh mere Priyatam.
Tum hamare the Prabhu ji,Tum hamare ho.
Tum hamare hi rahoge,oh mere Priyatam.
Das ki binti sun li jo,Prabhu Pyare.
Das ki binti sun li jo,Prabhu Pyare.
Ankhri aash yeh hi jiban ki,puran karna peyare.
Ankhri aash yeh hi jiban ki,puran karna peyare.
Ek bar hriday se lagalo,oh mere priyatam.
Ek bar hriday se lagalo,oh mere priyatam.
Tum hamare the Prabhu ji,tum hamare ho.
Tum hamare hi rahoge,oh mere Priyatam.
Hum tumhare the Prabhu ji, hum tumhare hai.
Hum tumhare hi rahenge, oh mere priyatam.

[MysteRy]

Vishwakarma Puja Celebration

Vishwakarma Puja festival is perhaps the only festival celebrated in remembrance of the architect god Vishwakarma. He is the divine craftsman who created all the palaces of gods along with their vehicles and weapons, including Lord Indra's weapon - the Vajra. This festival day, which is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Vishwakarma, is a major festival for artisans and craftsmen and most of the factories and shops remain closed. The celebrations start with the Aarti early in the morning to invoke the craftsman god, asking for his benevolence and inspiration to create and innovate. Usually, this Puja takes place in the factory premises or within the shop. On this day, all artisans and craftsmen worship their tools and keep them in front of the idol of Lord Vishwakarma, so that the divine grace of the god is bestowed upon them.

Vishwakarma Day Celebrations

Only a few people have proper knowledge about this festival, though it is quite a popular one especially in Orissa, Bihar, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. That's why only few people know that there are two days on which the Vishwakarma Puja is celebrated. The first one is celebrated on 16th or 17th of September and the next takes place exactly a day after the festival of Diwali. Both days are remembered as the birth day of lord Vishwakarma. The two days on which this Puja is celebrated are:

Rishi Panchami Dinam
It is celebrated on the next day of Diwali. The literal meaning of this day is the day of solidarity of five rishis (sages). This day is celebrated by the followers who believe that this day is not the birthday of Lord Vishwakarma, as according to their belief, a god is immortal and hence cannot die or take birth. According to the myth, this is the day when the five sons of Lord Vishwakarma came together and invoked their father; the day is celebrated in commemoration of that event. As it is celebrated according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar, it is celebrated on different dates every year.

Viswakarma Jayanti
Between the two days of Vishwakarma Puja celebration, this is the day which is more popular among the Hindus who celebrate it with pomp and show. It is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Vishwakarma and is observed on 17th September every year. This day is also commemorated as the day when Vishwakarma people crafted and gifted the plough to humanity. The plough gradually gave birth to civilization as the wanderers became cultivators and later these cultivators settled down to form society and civilization. So this day is celebrated to commemorate Lord Vishwakarma as well as to honor the early Vishwakarma people.

[MysteRy]

Vishwakarma Puja Significance

To acknowledge that lord Vishwakarma alone is the creator of all universe and the things within, and to offer worship and thankfulness to him on the Vishwakarma day, is what Vishwakarma Puja is all about. This is what lends the festival of Vishwakarma Puja its significance. The religious texts have it that it was he who brought the tripartite universe - heavenly realms and their worlds, the mortal realm and their worlds, and the netherworldly and other celestial realms and worlds into existence. It was he who created Swarga (Heaven) in the Satya Yuga; Sone ki Lanka (Golden Lanka) in the Treta Yuga; the city of Dwarka, the capital of Lord Krishna in the Dwapara Yuga; and many other architectural marvels into existence out of thin air. It was he who formed the chariots and various weapons of Gods and gave each its unique divine attributes. And it was he who revealed the sciences of industry to us because of which we see the progress that has been made.

Lord Vishwakarma is described as the ultimate reality in the Rig Veda, whose name in Sanskrit means "All Accomplishing", and who is believed by the Hindus to be the "Principal Universal Architect" who gave form to the celestial architecture of all that is in this universe with his own hands. And as a mark of reverence, he is worshipped as the patron of all the engineers, architects, artisans, craftsmen, weavers, mechanics, smiths, welders, industrial workers, and factory workers. Falling on Padyami, the first day of Kartika Masa, Vishwakarma Puja is observed on the fourth day of Diwali, i.e. the day after Diwali. In some parts of the country including Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Orissa, Vishwakarma Puja is observed on 17th September every year and doesn't change according to the lunar calendar.

On the day of Vishwakarma Puja, the industries and factories observe a no-work day; but, are heartily open for the entire workforce and their families to come and participate in the rituals. During the day of the puja or a day before, colorful pandals are set up inside the premises of industries and factories after which the decorated idols and images of Lord Vishwakarma are brought inside the pandals and are established ritualistically. The entire unit - management, employees, and workers, along with their families come together to perform the puja. Even the tools, particular to each person's profession, are worshipped in the name of Lord Vishwakarma but aren't put to use until the next day. Thereafter, Prasad (offerings) is distributed among everyone, post which everybody sits together for lunch. There's also a competitive tradition of flying colorful kites and engaging in mid-air battles, cutting each others' kites and shouting "Ibo Kaata".