17 or 18 September: Which day should you celebrate?

Lord Vishwakarma Puja is directly linked to Kanya Sankranti — the moment the Sun moves from Simha (Leo) to Kanya (Virgo). According to the Hindu Panchang and astronomical calculations, this transition occurs on Thursday, 17 September 2026 at 7:58 AM IST.

Therefore, the actual religious rituals, tool worship, and Vedic mantras are strictly recommended on 17 September. The supreme window (Maha Punya Kaal) lasts from 7:58 AM to 10:01 AM, while the broader Punya Kaal extends until 2:31 PM – 4:15 PM.

Why 18 September? In Bengal and eastern India, pandals keep the idol overnight, celebrating with kite flying and cultural festivities before performing the immersion (Visarjan) on Friday, 18 September 2026. Furthermore, the West Bengal State Government holiday is notified for 18 September, meaning workshops and factories observe the closure and celebratory feast across both days!

Summary: Puja on 17th, Celebrations & Holiday on 18th

If you are wondering when to perform the puja rituals for your factory machines, vehicles, computers, and tools: do it on Thursday, 17 September right after 7:58 AM. Government offices, educational institutions, and many workplaces remain closed on Friday, 18 September, giving everyone the perfect occasion to enjoy the festivities and visarjan.

Do the formal puja on Thursday, 17 September (Maha Punya Kaal: 7:58 AM – 10:01 AM). Enjoy the cultural celebration, holiday, and visarjan on Friday, 18 September.

What you need for the puja (Samagri Checklist)

Keep these ready before the puja. Tick items off as you collect them.

Steps to do the puja

Follow these steps in order.

1. Get ready

   Wake up early, take a bath and wear clean clothes.

2. Purify the workplace

   Clean the workshop, shop, computer desk, or puja area and sprinkle gangajal on it.

3. Set up the chowki

   Place the wooden table facing north or east and cover it with a red or yellow cloth.

4. Prepare the seat

   Draw a swastik on the table and put a small pile of rice where the idol or photo will sit.

5. Take the sankalp

   Hold water, rice and a flower in your right hand, resolve to work with skill and honesty through the year, then let the water fall from your hand.

6. Welcome Vishwakarma

   During the auspicious Maha Punya Kaal (7:58 AM to 10:01 AM), place the idol on the rice, sprinkle gangajal and chant “Om Vishwakarmane Namah”.

7. Place the kalash

   Fill the copper kalash with water and keep it next to the idol. Put a coin and betel nut inside, arrange mango leaves around the mouth, and place the coconut on top.

8. Worship your tools and machines

   Bring your tools, machinery, laptop, or vehicle. Clean them, apply roli-chandan tilak, tie sacred mauli, and offer flowers. Machines are traditionally rested for the day.

9. Aarti, prasad and visarjan

   Light the ghee diya, perform aarti and distribute sweets. The celebration continues on Friday 18 September with community festivities and visarjan.

Frequently asked questions