Vishwakarma puja will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 17.
Vishwakarma Puja, predominantly observed in Eastern India in reverence to Lord Vishwakarma, the divine architect, assumes a distinct cultural and festive character in Guwahati, Assam, harmoniously integrating the traditional and the contemporary, the sacred and the celebratory.
Historical Tapestry of Vishwakarma Puja in Guwahati:
The roots of Vishwakarma Puja in Guwahati can be traced back to the early industrial boom of the city in the mid-20th century. With the establishment of industries such as oil refineries (IOCL’s Noonmati Refinery), engineering workshops (for eg. Bamunimaidan’s Industrial Estate), and factories, etc., the workforce comprising mechanics, engineers, factory workers, and artisans began observing Vishwakarma Puja with great fervour.
In Assam, where craftsmanship has long been an integral part of its cultural heritage, the reverence for Lord Vishwakarma resonated deeply with the broader population. The figure of Lord Vishwakarma became synonymous with human ingenuity and work ethic, transcending from traditional goldsmiths in the alleys of Fancy Bazaar to modern technicians and IT professionals, as the scale of celebrations expanded from humble workshop offerings to grand events across localities, fostering community gatherings to pay homage to the God of artisans.
The Vishwakarma Temple Near Bhootnath: A Sacred Landmark
Adding to the spiritual dimension of Vishwakarma Puja in Guwahati is the Vishwakarma Temple located near Bhootnath, a revered site for devotees seeking the blessings of the divine architect. This temple, though smaller compared to some of the other grand temples in the city, carries profound significance, especially during Vishwakarma Puja. The Vishwakarma Temple in Guwahati is recognized as one of the oldest and few temples worldwide dedicated to the Hindu lord, who is considered as the celestial engineer of the universe. In the Rig Veda, a sacred Hindu text, Lord Vishwakarma is mentioned as the original creator and architect of the cosmos. In dialogue with local individuals, I learned of the astounding story behind the temple's creation. Emerging from a fascinating account of faith and heavenly involvement, the narrative of this temple's inception started in 1959-1960, concurrent with the building of the initial motorable road to the Kamakhya Temple.
A noted contractor of that time, Sh. Mahabir Prasad Dhirasaria and his team oversaw the execution of blasts to clear rocky terrain for road construction in the Nilachal Hills ; however, the fragmented rocks resulting from the blasts started hindering traffic flow at the foothills.The locals, seeing this as a sign of divine displeasure, believed that the disturbance of the holy Nilachal ‘Parbat’had angered the Gods.To pacify the situation, an idol of Lord Vishwakarma, the deity of construction and craftsmanship, was placed at the construction site. Miraculously, the road work continued without further hindrance, an event attributed to Lord Vishwakarma's blessings. During Vishwakarma Puja that year, passing vehicles stopped to offer prayers to the deity, solidifying the people's devotion.Moved by this, one of Kamakhya temple’s revered priest of that era, Pt. Bhabakanta Sharma donated his land to build a permanent temple, and Mahabir Prasad Dhirasaria, without seeking any external aid, constructed the temple. A marble idol of Lord Vishwakarma was installed, sanctified through sacred rituals, marking the completion of the temple. Today, this shrine stands as a testament to divine protection and the harmony between human effort and spiritual grace, linking the city's architectural progress to the benevolence of the celestial architect.
A Community United in Celebration:
The celebration of Vishwakarma Puja in Guwahati sees factory workers, artisans, craftsmen, and mechanics paying homage to their tools and machinery, hoping for prosperity and success in their work. Workshops, garages, and industrial hubs in areas like Maligaon, Bamunimaidan, and Chandmari feature prominently in celebrating Vishwakarma Puja with lots of fun and frolic. Several markets in the city including Ganeshguri, Panbazar and Fancy Bazar are filled with idols of Lord Vishwakarma, colourful decorative garlands, fruits and other items used in the rituals. What makes Vishwakarma Puja in Guwahati truly special is its ability to bring people from all walks of life together. From the shopkeeper in Fancy Bazaar to the industrial worker in Bamunimaidan, the celebration transcends socio-economic divides. In every locality, people gather to share meals, dance, and enjoy each other’s company, fostering a sense of unity and communal joy.
A Blend of Rituals and Celebrations:
On the occasion of Vishwakarma Puja, people worship their machinery. This action comes in with the belief that Lord Vishwakarma influences the existence of different kinds of tools, weapons, and iron items. The festival is seen being observed in factories, media houses, industrial workshops, and setups with metallic objects. All vehicles receive meticulous washing and decoration. Pandals structures are established at each puja location, filled with the sounds of Vedic chanting as ‘pujaris’ conduct their sacred rituals. In Guwahati's array of celebrated pandals, The Assam Tribune Head Office at Maniram Dewan Road, Krishna Nagar, Chandmari, hosts a particularly exceptional and time-honored puja celebration, underscoring the city's rich cultural heritage.
Following the puja rituals, prasad is disseminated, while devotees pay reverence to Lord Vishwakarma. A hallmark of the Puja is the preparation of ‘khichdi’, a rice and pulse dish, accompanied by ‘labra’, a mixed vegetable side dish, and the ever-present tomato ‘tok’. Worshipers lineup to savor these delightful preparations.Like the Brahmaputra, which flows steadily and powerfully through the city, the Vishwakarma Puja festival weaves together tradition, modernity, and festivity in a rich tapestry that reflects the city’s dynamic and evolving identity. Each year, as people gather to celebrate Vishwakarma Puja, they do so not just with devotion, but with a deep sense of joy, unity, and creativity that makes this festival a cherished part of Guwahati’s cultural landscape.