Vishwakarma Day celebrated across Jammu today, January 17, 2023, brought together technical workers and artisans in a spirit of devotion. The day honors Lord Vishwakarma, the divine architect and creator of the universe, as followers pray for success and safety in their professions.
Traditionally, workers observe a “no-work” day on Vishwakarma Day, dedicating their time to clean and service their machines and tools. This ritual stems from the belief that worshipping Lord Vishwakarma protects workers from accidents and enhances the prosperity of various industries. The festival follows the joyous celebrations of Diwali, marking an important cultural occasion.
Celebrations took place at the Vishwakarma Sabha Temple Complex, Bakshi Nagar, Jammu, starting with a sacred Hawan accompanied by special prayers to invoke the blessings of Lord Vishwakarma. The event, organized by the Vishwakarma Sabha, saw a commendable attendance of notable personalities, including Member of Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma and MLA Jammu West Arvind Gupta. Their presence underscores the significance of Vishwakarma Day in Jammu.
During the celebrations, dignitaries spoke highly of Lord Vishwakarma, referring to him as the “divine engineer.” They recognized his inspiration to workers and artisans, emphasizing the vital role that technical workers play in nation-building. The call for unity among the Vishwakarma community echoed strongly among the speeches.
The well-organized program, executed under the guidance of Kuljeet Rai (Chairman, Vishwakarma Sabha), Vijay Kumar (Vice Chairman), and other committee members, highlighted the community’s significance.
Simultaneously, a vibrant Hawan and Bhajan Kirtan took place at the Vishwakarma Temple, New Plots, Jammu, guided by Mohinder Lal (President of the Temple Committee).
Addressing attendees, Mohinder Lal reiterated a vital demand for the day to be recognized as a Gazetted Holiday. He pointed out that most workers treat this day as an unofficial holiday and emphasized the importance of official recognition. Echoing this sentiment, Ramesh Angotra urged the government to acknowledge the cultural and industrial importance of Vishwakarma Day by declaring it a public holiday.
A Langer (community feast) followed the prayers, providing a platform for community bonding among devotees. The organizing committee, including Rattan Lal, Joginder Angotra, Pappu Virdhi, Vishal Angotra, Kunal Angotra, and Jitender Jajua, ensured that the celebrations reflected the rich tradition and unity of the Vishwakarma community.
