West Bengal City celebrates Vishwakarma Puja

Kolkata : Despite a cloudy sky and occasional rains, multi-coloured kites soared high in the firmament and the master of all mechanics was worshipped in marquees, workshops and garages as West Bengal celebrated Vishwakarma Puja, heralds the beginning of the festive season.

Worshipped as the divine engineer of the world, Vishwakarma is not only revered by the engineering and architectural community but also by all professionals. It is ?customary? for craftsmen to worship their tools in His name.

Vehicles, even though many stayed off roads, on Friday donned a very flowery appearance loaded with garlands. Many offices across Kolkata had their customary pujas.

Kite flying gatherings and competitions were organised in several places and saw surprising attendance by adults along with youngsters.

?Despite the occasional showers, the weather was so great that we had a great picnic here,? said 14-year-old Aritra who had come to the Victoria Maidan with friends.

Wherever one went the blaring loudspeakers and the marquees made it clear that no effort was spared in pleasing the Hindu deity of all craftsmen, architects, engineers and everything that ran with cogs.

?This is the first year we are celebrating Vishwakarma Puja. We have celebrated other pujas before though,? said Kushal Saha, a member of a club in Behala.

?It is said Bengalis don?t miss a chance to celebrate anything. We are just trying to live up to that name,? Saha gushed.