Agartala, September 18:Vishwakarma Puja took a distinctive form at the Tripura State Rifles (TSR) 2nd Battalion headquarters at RK Nagar on Friday, where troopers worshipped their service weapons and other equipment along with the traditional observance of the festival.
The troopers cleaned and arranged their arms and equipment before offering prayers to Lord Vishwakarma, seeking blessings for the proper functioning of the weapons and equipment used in the discharge of their duties.
The tradition has been followed annually by the battalion and has a particular significance for personnel whose duties involve carrying arms during operations and maintaining operational readiness.
Explaining the significance of the practice, a TSR trooper said the personnel pray to Lord Vishwakarma especially for the safety of those who carry the weapons while performing their duties.
The trooper said the puja is organised every year with the participation of the commandant, family members of personnel and other members of the force. He said the personnel worship their arms as well as other instruments and equipment that form an essential part of their service.
“Every year we organise this puja as a tradition. The special feature here is the worship of our arms. We pray to the deity for the proper functioning of the weapons and instruments that we use in our duty,” the trooper said.
He said the observance also reflects the personnel’s faith and their dependence on the equipment while carrying out their responsibilities.
“When we go for duty and into operations, these weapons and equipment are part of our work. We pray to God that everything remains safe and works properly during our duty,” he said.
The Vishwakarma Puja is observed by workers, engineers and institutions associated with tools, machinery and technical equipment. For TSR personnel, the annual ritual has acquired a distinctive character through the inclusion of service arms and operational equipment in the worship.
The observance combines religious tradition with the professional responsibilities of the armed police personnel, who rely on their weapons and equipment in carrying out duties including security and counter-insurgency operations.
The TSR, a specialised armed police force of Tripura, has played a significant role in the state’s security operations. In recognition of the contribution of the Tripura Police, the President’s Colour was presented to the force in 2012.
