Bengal celebrates Vishwakarma Puja

Kolkata Sep 17 (IANS) Kites of all shapes sizes and hues dotted the blue skies while workers using machines and tools prayed for safe working conditions as Vishwakarma Puja was celebrated with traditional gaiety and fervour across West Bengal on Monday.
Lord Vishwakarma -- the divine architect -- was worshipped by artisans craftsmen mechanics welders masons industrial and factory workers among others.
Puja was organised in almost every locality of the state including bus termini cycle-rickshaw and auto-rickshaw stands.
Vehicles were decked up with garlands and streamers while engineers kept away from their gadgets and other devices as a mark of obeisance to God.
Factories and warehouses remained shut and labourers enjoyed devotional songs and special feasts.
Idols and photographs were installed at workplaces including factories and automobile shops. Miniature idols adorned the interiors of cabs and buses.
The day was celebrated by youths and teenagers by flying colourful kites. Kite-flying competitions were also held in various localities.

--IANS ssp/pgh/nir