Vishwakarma is the first and best architect, engineer, sculptor and father of all crafts in general as per the Hindu tradition right from the Rig Veda , continued in various puranas and extending into Ramayana and Mahabharata. In Rig Veda, one can find a mention of Vishwakarman in six places. Further in Bhagavata Purana and Mahabharata, Vishwakarma is believed to have created the Dwaraka city in an island, at the behest of Lord Krishna.
Vishwakarma is shown in sculptures as holding various tools and equipments seated in high pedestal- throne and worshipped by devas and devatas.
Viswakarma Jayanti is celebrated across the country from west to east, in Badrapada month as per Hindu calendar and for uniformity on September 17 as per Gregorian calendar. Though mode of celebration and rituals may differ from region to region, the spirit behind the Jayanti is very much the same, that is paying tributes to fine craftsman who has made this world a livable place for all of us. To cite an example, kite flying in the afternoon time on Vishwakarma Jayanti is a feature surprisingly common both in Gujarat a western state and in Bengal in the east. Kite flying is a sport which brings adults and children together. It is said to be undertaken to recall Vishwakarma and his team who were referred as the makers of the chariots of Gods which could fly in the sky. Thus kites represent those chariots. Kites also give an opportunity for giving expression to the creativity latent in the hands of our younger generation ably assisted by their parents.
Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh, ever since into the labour movement arena has been projecting national heroes – icons and chants slogans which have relevance with our history. The reason for such push is because they are deeply rooted in spirituality and nationalism. The reason is very amply explained by C K Saji Narayan, National President of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh “Vishwakarma symbolises the paradigm shift in the present day thought process. Work is considered as a Yajna. Indian Industrial relations are traditionally based on family like relationship. BMS has accepted family as a model for industrial relations and put forward the great concept of ‘Industrial family’. This is in contrast with the master-servant relationship of the west or the class enemy concept of the Communists. We have imbibed the slogans “Tyag-Tapasya-Balidan”, “work is worship” “Nationalise the Labour” etc. from the life of great personalities like Vishwakarma. …May Day, imported from the west, fails to motivate labour positively where as Vishwakarma Jayanti can.” (Organiser, Sep 16, 2021)
Not only work is worship, worker is also be to respected and recognised.
