Vishwakarma Puja and Kite Festival of Kolkata 2022

Background

The Hindu community observes Vishwakarma Puja, commonly referred to as Vishwakarma Jayanti, as a significant event. On this day, Lord Vishwakarma, the celestial architect or the architect of the Gods, is honoured. The celebration takes place on Kanya Sankranti or Bhadra Sankranti, the final day of Bhadra. According to Hindu religious doctrine, Lord Vishwakarma—who is credited with creating the world—built Dwarka, the capital of Lord Krishna. He is also credited with creating the science of building and mechanics known as Sthapatya Veda.

Legend has it that Lord Vishwakarma, the son of Vastu Dev and Goddess Angisri, also built Ravana's Pushpak Vimana, Lord Shiva's Trishul, Indra's Vajra (thunderbolt), the Pandavas' Maya Sabha, and Lord Vishnu's Sudarshana Chakra.

Viswakarma Puja was celebrated in Kolkata on the 17th of September 2022  to announce the arrival of the Durga Puja Festival.

Significance

   Viswakarma Puja Pandel at Raja Mallick Street Jadavpur, Kolkata

The majority of businesses, manufacturers, and industries participate in the festival. Workers in factories and other industrial settings worship their equipment on this day and pray to Lord Vishwakarma for the security of their livelihoods. On the day of Vishwakarma Puja, they offer prayers for the flawless operation of machinery and abstain from using their tools.

In celebration of this anniversary, Lord Vishwakarma sculptures and portraits are placed in businesses and factories.

The Eastern region of the nation, specifically the states of West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Tripura, Bihar, and Jharkhand, is where the day is primarily observed. Nepal, a country that borders India, also observes Vishwakarma Puja. There won't be any big celebrations this year because of the continuing coronavirus outbreak.

Lord Vishwakarma

Vishwakarma is revered as the world's creator and swayambhu. He built the palace of Indraprastha for the Pandavas, the holy city of Dwarka where Krishna reigned, and numerous magnificent weapons for the gods. He is credited with creating Sthapatya Veda, the science of mechanics and architecture, and is also known as the divine carpenter. He is mentioned in the Rig Veda.

    Child holding kite on Vishwakarma Puja Day at Jadavpur, 2022

 Howrah and other areas adjoining the city offer puja to Lord Vishwakarma.  In Jadavpur, the Jadavpur Tarun Sangha Club of Auto and Rickshaw Associations celebrated the puja with much enthusiasm.  Jadavpur University Students perform puja on the occasion.  Kites are flown on the campus.  

Santoshpur had many small pandals. Lake Road had a small pandal well decorated with chains of colourful lights.

Viswakarma Pandel at  Sukekha, Jadavpur

Kites Flying on the day

The small children beside Sulekha Bridge were very excited about flying their kites. A child named Ayan invited me to join in flying his kite. It rained occasionally so kite flying became difficult. But the spirit remained. All waited for the rain to stop pouring.

About the Festival of Kites in Kolkata

Kites fly in the sky on the auspicious day of Viswakarma Puja. Small and colourful kites attract every mind which gives everyone joy. Not only kids fly the kites but also adults do. The same traditions are being followed for more than centuries in Kolkata. 

The origin of kites dates 3000 years back. Kites are very small polygonal shaped which range more than 1 inch. Nowadays kites are made up of eco-friendly plastic re-placing paper. Though the value of kites is losing its attraction in modern times the traditional essence continues.  The tradition of kite flying should not be lost. Parents can gift kites to their children to give rise to interest in the sport.  

An  International Kiite Festival is celebrated in Gujarat and was started in the year 1981 by the State Government.  During earlier times Kites were used by the  Army to calculate distance.

Condition of  Small Kites Making Traders in Kolkata

In Kolkata, the number of kite shops has come down. Kites do not bring enthusiasm.  Some shops continue to exist since the British rule. But the shops complain of low sales. 

On Vishwakarma Puja Day enthusiasm for kites come back. They are complementary. 

Written By Saheli Pal