Bhubaneswar, 17 September (H.S.): Vishwakarma Puja is being celebrated across Odisha on Thursday with traditional fervour and enthusiasm, as factories, workplaces, workshops and various institutions organised special rituals to worship Lord Vishwakarma, regarded as the deity of craftsmen, artisans and workers.

The festival is being observed in both urban and rural areas, with people offering prayers to Lord Vishwakarma and worshipping the tools, machinery, vehicles and equipment associated with their daily work.

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishwakarma is regarded as the divine architect and is believed to have built weapons, palaces and other structures for the gods. Devotees traditionally worship him seeking prosperity, growth and the smooth functioning of their businesses and workplaces.

Vishwakarma Puja is being celebrated on a large scale in NALCO Nagar and other parts of Angul district.

As many as 19 puja mandaps have been set up across Angul town for the occasion. Workers, artisans, traders and people associated with various professions are participating in the celebrations and offering prayers for prosperity and success.

The puja has also brought together employees and members of different workplaces, with several establishments organising special decorations and community celebrations.

In the port city of Paradip, Vishwakarma Puja is being celebrated with equal enthusiasm. Various workers' organisations, along with the Trawler Owners' Association and Truck Owners' Association, have organised puja celebrations at several locations.

Around 15 big and small puja mandaps have been set up across Paradip. Devotees and workers are participating in the rituals, while cultural programmes are scheduled to be held in the evening as part of the celebrations.

The festival has added a festive atmosphere to industrial and commercial hubs across Odisha, with workers and business establishments coming together to observe the occasion and seek blessings for prosperity and success.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda