By: Kritika Bobal
Govardhan Puja is the most prominent festival among Hindus. It is celebrated every year on the fourth day of the five-day-long festivals of Deepavali. Govardhan Puja commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over Indra. This day commemorates the occurrence described in the Bhagavata Purana in which Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill to offer shelter to the residents of Vrindavan during excessive rains.
Govardhan Puja is called by different names in different parts of the country. In some parts of India, this day is also celebrated as Vishwakarma Day which is dedicated to Lord Vishwakarma, the creator of many fabulous weapons for the gods.
According to a Hindu belief, Lord Vishwakarma is also known as the Divine Engineer of the World because it is said that he constructed the holy city of Dwarka where Krishna ruled, the palace of Indraprastha for the Pandavas, and also created many weapons for the gods.
The festival is primarily observed by shops, factories, and industries. Workers in factories and industrial regions on this day worship their tools and pray to Lord Vishwakarma to protect their livelihoods. The day of worship is observed not only by engineers and architects, but also by artisans, craftsmen, mechanics, smiths, welders, industrial workers, factory employees, and others as a symbol of respect.
They pray for the smooth operation of the machines and refrain from using their tools on Vishwakarma Puja day. They wish for a brighter future, safe working conditions, and, most importantly, success in their areas. Workers also pray for the smooth functioning of various machines. Images and magnificent idols of Lord Vishwakarma are exhibited at industries and workplaces on this day.
This year Vishwakarma Day is celebrated on the 5th of November.