Vishwakarma Puja, or Biswakarma Day, is an annual Hindu festival. It is also celebrated as Vishwakarma Jayanti, his birth anniversary, although observance dates vary by tradition. He is a craftsman deity and, in contemporary Hinduism, the divine architect of the devas. Hindu people believe that Lord Vishwakarma is the main architect and creator of the universe. Vishwakarma is the son of Vastu, one of the Vasus, and Angirasi. Vishwakarma is the presiding deity of all craftsmen, engineers, and architects. Vishwakarma is considered the god of artisans and craftsmen involved in construction, carpentry, blacksmithing, etc. Working people in India perform the puja of Vishwakarma and take leave from work on this day. All their tools, machines, and equipment stay shut down on this day in some workplaces and industries.
When is Vishwakarma Day in 2026?
| State or Region | Date in 2026 | Observance |
|---|---|---|
| Punjab | Monday, November 9 | Post-Diwali Vishwakarma Day; state government holiday. |
| Haryana | Monday, November 9 | Post-Diwali Vishvakarma Day; state government holiday. |
| Gujarat and Rajasthan - communities following the Magha tradition | Saturday, January 31 | Vishwakarma Jayanti on Magha Shukla Trayodashi. |
| Assam, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand and Tripura | Thursday, September 17 | Vishwakarma Puja associated with Kanya Sankranti. |
| Karnataka | Thursday, September 17 | Vishwakarma Puja or Jayanti. |
| West Bengal | Friday, September 18 | Revised state government holiday for Vishwakarma Puja; earlier calendars listed September 17. |
Who is Lord Vishwakarma?
Vishwakarma or Vishwakarman is the artisan deity and divine architect of the gods in Hinduism. Vishwakarma is associated with five traditional crafts: blacksmithing, carpentry, stone carving, coppersmithing, and goldsmithing. Vishwakarma Day is generally celebrated by artisans, mechanics, engineers, factory workers, and laborers, who worship their tools, machines, and workplaces for enthusiasm, success, safety, and prosperity. According to the Rigveda, Lord Vishwakarma is the supreme architect and creator of the universe. According to Hindu mythological stories, he is credited with building several famous cities and divine creations, such as the golden city of Lanka, Indraprastha, Dwarka, and heaven. He also built many palaces and weapons for the gods. He built the Sudarshana Chakra for Lord Vishnu, and the trident for Lord Shiva, and the Vajra thunderbolt for Lord Indra. He also built the Pushpaka Vimana, a flying vehicle.
Who can perform and celebrate Vishwakarma Puja?
Vishwakarma Puja is performed by artisans, engineers, architects, mechanics, tailors, blacksmiths, carpenters, goldsmiths, factory workers, and industrial laborers in honor of Lord Vishwakarma. It expresses their devotion to him and their love and respect for their work. Work tools, machines, and vehicles are worshipped during Vishwakarma Puja.
How to perform Vishwakarma Puja?
On Vishwakarma Puja day, people wake up early, bathe, and wear clean clothes. They also thoroughly clean their workplaces, tools, machines, and vehicles. They can spread a yellow or red cloth over a stool or table and place an idol of Lord Vishwakarma on it. Lord Vishwakarma’s idol or picture should be placed facing west or east.
A puja plate is prepared with orange flowers, fruits, sweets, a diya, incense sticks, roli, rice grains, mauli, and a sacred thread. All the tools are gathered in one place, and the worship begins. Damaged or unused tools are best left out of the puja. However, this is your own wish. People can also perform Aarti by holding the puja plate in their hand and moving it clockwise.
A tilak of turmeric, kumkum, or sindoor is applied to the tools and machines. They place flowers, food, fruits, and sweets on them and put a few grains of rice as well. A diya is lit, and devotees chant Lord Vishwakarma’s name and mantras while praying for happiness, prosperity, safety, and success. After the puja, prasad is distributed among people and family members. A havan can also be performed for Vishwakarma Puja.
On Vishwakarma Day you do not need to fast. Vishwakarma Puja Traditions may vary from region to region. According to local rituals, some communities immerse the Vishwakarma idol on the same day or the next day of the main worship.
Significance of Vishwakarma Puja
Vishwakarma Day and Puja are occasions for devotees to express their gratitude to Lord Vishwakarma. Some people and workplaces give tools and machinery a day of rest. Computers, laptops, and other electronic equipment can be worshipped in modern celebrations. Kite flying is also associated with Vishwakarma Puja in some regions.
Vishwakarma Day is an important occasion for workers and business owners in India. Devotees seek blessings for professional success, safety, and craftsmanship during Vishwakarma Puja.