Janmashtami, one of the major festivals of the Hindu community commemorating the birth of Lord Sri Krishna, was celebrated countrywide on Wednesday with due religious fervour and gaiety.
According to Hindu religion, Lord Vishnu incarnated in the universe as Lord Krishna in the prison of Raja Kangsa on this day, the eighth of “Shukla Pakkha” (bright fortnight) in the month of Bengali calendar Bhadra in Dwapara Yuga in order to protect “Dharma” from the hands of devils.
Sri Krishna was born to Devaki and her husband Vasudeva in Mathura.
The day is a public holiday.
In Rajshahi, Janmastami was celebrated amid festivity and religious fervor.
The day's programmes include worship of Lord Krishna, GeetaJagna, Kirtan, rally, distribution of sweetmeats and discussions.
As part of the celebration, Rajshahi city unit of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad and members of the Hindu Darmiyan Kalyan Trust held Janmastami celebration functions at Hanumanjiur Akhra in the city.
They also brought out a colourful rally from the Akhra premises and passed through different areas, including Shaheb Bazar, Alupatty, Kumarpara and Malopara, before ending at the same area.
In Gaibandha, Sanatan Sangha Durga Mandir (SSDM) chalked out elaborate programmes.
The programmes included worship of Lord Krishna, geeta jagya, bringing out rally, distribution of Prasad and sweets.
In Gopalganj, Hindu community celebrated Janmashtami with due religious fervour by lighting 'Mongol Prodip' (sacred lamps).
A colorful procession, led by district unit Awami League President, was brought out from Central Kalibari temple premises and ended there after parading different streets in the town this morning. Hundreds of devotees joined the procession wearing traditional dresses.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in separate messages greeted the members of the Hindu community on the eve of the occasion.
President Shahabuddin, in his message, said Janmashtami is one of the major religious festivals of the Hindu community.
Bangladesh is country of communal harmony as it is unique characteristic of the nation’s culture, he said.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message, said Sri Krishna’s main goal was to establish brotherhood and equity in society and he upheld the flag of peace, love for humanity and justice throughout his life.
She said Lord Krishna worshiped the mankind through his life and work.
The premier said her Awami League government is determined to protect communal harmony in the country.
Noting that people of all castes and creeds have been living peacefully for ages, she said the country’s constitution guarantees equal rights for people of all castes and creeds.
“We believe-religion is for individuals, festivals for all. Our main goal is to make development for people of all classes, professions and communities. We are working to ensure dignified and safe living for people of all communities to achieve this goal,” said Sheikh Hasina.
Temples and religious organisations and institutions have also organised programmes to celebrate Janmashtami festival.
National dailies published special articles while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, other private TV channels and radio stations aired special programmes highlighting various aspects of life and philosophy of Lord Sri Krishna.
Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad and Mahanagar Sarbajanin Puja Committee have taken up a two-day programme centrally at Dhakeshwari National Temple here.
