Members of the Hindu community on Friday celebrated the Janmashtami marking the birthday of Lord Sri Krishna, a central figure of the Hinduism, with due religious fervour and enthusiasm, reports BSS.
On the occasion, colourful Janmashtami processions displaying blissful events of the life of Krishna were brought out in the capital this afternoon. Other programmes of the day included puja, prayer and Gita Yogya, discussion, cultural function and distribution of `prasad’. According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Vishnu incarnated in the universe as Lord Krishna on this day (eighth day of ‘Shukla Pakka’ (bright fortnight) in the month of Bhadra of Bengali calendar year) in Dwapara Yuga to protect religion from the devils.
President M Abul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in separate messages on the occasion of the Janmashtami greeted the members of the Hindu community and wished their happiness and well-being. The government announced public holiday today. National dailies published special stories on works and ideals of Lord Krishna. Radio and television channels aired special programmes highlighting the significance of the day.
The President hosted a reception in honour of distinguished persons of the Hindu community at Bangabhaban on Friday morning. Besides, different religious, cultural and social organisations chalked out elaborate programmes in observance of the Janmashtami across the country. Geeta Yagya, puja and kirtan were arranged in different temples. Special prayer was also offered seeking welfare, peace and progress of the country. The traditional Janmashtami procession was brought out in the city from Dhakeswari National Temple under the auspices of Mahanagar Sarbojanin Puja Committee.
Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader joined the Jantashtami procession as the chief guest, while Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation Sayeed Khokon inaugurated pageant.Besides, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal was present as special guest during the time. The long procession carried the images of Lord Krishna, sketches on different events of his life with choirs of religious songs amid rhythm of drumbeat.
The procession started from Dhakeshwari National Temple and ended at Bahadur Shah Park via Palashi Bazar, Jagannath Hall, Central Shaheed Minar, Doel Chattar, High Court, Jatiya Press Club, Paltan, Shaheed Noor Hossain Square, Golap Shah Mazar, Gulistan intersection, Nawabpur Road and Roy Shaheb Bazar where thousands of devotees and leaders of Puja Udjapan Committee took part.
Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parisad and Mahanagar Sarbajanin Puja Committee have taken a two-day programme at the Dhakeshwari National Temple which will continue till tomorrow. On the occasion of the Janmashtami, a discussion will be held at the Dhakeshwari National Temple on September 1 and Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal is scheduled to join the function as the chief guest.
Moreover, president and secretary of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parisad Milon Kanti Dutta and Nirmol Chattarjee and president and secretary of Mahanagar Sarbajanin Puja Committee Shoilendra Nath Majumder and Advocate Kishor Ranjan Mandol greeted all on the occasion.