Janmashtami celebrated with due religious fervour
According to Hindu mythology, Sri Krishna was born on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the Bangla month of Bhadra. It is believed that he incarnates in every age to protect the virtuous from the wicked and to establish truth, justice, and beauty in society.
Janmashtami, one of the major religious festivals of the Hindu community commemorating the birth of Lord Sri Krishna, was celebrated across the country today (16 August) with due religious fervour and gaiety.
On the occasion, various programmes including colourful processions, discussions, recitation from the Srimad Bhagavad Geeta, performance of devotional songs, vog arati, distribution of mahaprashad and cultural events were organized in the capital and other parts of the country.
Programmes of the Janmashtami began with Geeta Joggo at 8am at Dhakeshwari National Temple, seeking welfare for the country and its people.
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Around 9am, Hindu community leaders, including Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad President Basudeb Dhar and General Secretary Santosh Sharma and Mohanagar Sarbojanin Puja Committee President Jayanta Kumar Deb and General Secretary Tapash Chandra Paul, joined the Guru Boron programme.
Shankar Math and Mission at Sitakunda in Chattogram conducted the Gita Joggo at the Dhakeshwari National Temple.
According to Hindu mythology, Sri Krishna was born on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the Bangla month of Bhadra. It is believed that he incarnates in every age to protect the virtuous from the wicked and to establish truth, justice, and beauty in society.
The festival is usually observed on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Shraban or Bhadra.
On the occasion, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus greeted the members of the Hindu community.
Marking the day, a discussion was held at the Palashi intersection. Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman spoke at the discussion as the chief guest with Mohanagar Sarbojanin Puja Committee President Jayanta Kumar Deb in the chair.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan and Bangladesh Army 9th Infantry Division GOC Major General Md Moin Khan joined the discussion among others.
After the discussion, the guests lit ceremonial lamps and inaugurated the historic central colourful Janmashtami procession.
The procession passed through Palashi Mor, Jagannath Hall, Central Shaheed Minar, Doel Chattar, High Court premises, Bangabazar, Nagar Bhaban, Golap Shah Mazar, Gulistan intersection, Nawabpur Road, and Roy Saheb Bazar and ended reaching Bahadur Shah Park.
The procession featured decorative floats including depictions of Krishna's chariot, Radha-Krishna couple statue, the prison of Kansa, Ram-Sita, and Lav-Kush, as well as other scenes from the life of Sri Krishna.
Devotees from Dhaka city and nearby upazilas with trucks, mini-trucks, pickups, and even horse carts joined the procession.
Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad and International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and different social, cultural and religious organisations celebrated the day through various programmes.
Besides, different temples, including Ramna Kalimandir, Bardeshwari Kalimata Mandir in Razarbagh, and Mirpur Central Temple, organised special rituals and cultural events in observance of Janmashtami.
The day was a public holiday. National dailies published special articles, while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, and private TV and radio stations aired special programmes highlighting different aspects of the life and philosophy of Lord Sri Krishna.
