Visvakarma Puja

Visvakarma Puja

August-September; end of Hindu month of Bhadrapada

Dedicated to Visvakarma, the patron god of all Hindu artisans, the Festival of Tools is a workers' holiday in India dedicated to each individual's most important tool or instrument. A pitcher representing the god is set in a place of honor in every home and shop, and before it the people lay their most important tool. Students might place one of their schoolbooks there, musicians would place the instrument they play, artists would put their favorite brushes before the pitcher, tailors their scissors, gardeners their rakes, fishermen their nets, etc. A candle is lit in front of the pitcher, and sometimes incense is burned or scented water is sprinkled over the tool. Workers give thanks for their tools and implore Visvakarma's help in plying their trade.
After this ceremony is over, people gather in parks or public places and spend the rest of the day with games and feasting.

CONTACTS:
Department of Tourism, Government of West Bengal
2, Brabourne Road
Kolkata, West Bengal 700 001 India
91-33-22258134; fax: 91-33-22254565
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