Ranchi: Preparations for Vishwakarma Puja gathered momentum across Ranchi on Wednesday, with garages, automobile workshops, service stations, car-wash centres and industrial units witnessing a surge in activity ahead of the festival on Thursday.From early morning, workers were busy washing, polishing and decorating vehicles, machines and tools. Cars, commercial vehicles, two-wheelers and workshop equipment were adorned with flowers, ribbons and other decorative items as establishments readied them for the annual worship of Lord Vishwakarma.The rush was particularly visible at automobile service and washing centres, where vehicle owners queued up for cleaning and polishing services. “Demand has increased sharply ahead of Vishwakarma Puja. We are charging Rs 250-300 for a wash-and-polish package, and customers are waiting for up to an hour,” said Mukesh Kumar, a car-wash operator in Kokar.At workshops, mechanics cleaned tools and machinery, carried out minor repairs and freshened up workspaces in preparation for the puja. Markets, too, saw brisk business as people purchased flowers, garlands, incense sticks, coconuts, fruits, vermilion and other puja essentials.Sellers of decorative items reported a sharp rise in demand from transporters and vehicle owners. “Truck owners are buying garlands, ribbons, lights and other accessories in bulk to decorate their vehicles,” said Dinesh, a decorative items vendor.The festival holds special significance for mechanics, drivers, transport operators, factory workers and businesses dependent on machines and tools, making it one of the most widely observed occupational festivals in the region.
Vishwakarma Puja
