DHAKA: The Hindu community celebrated Shuva Janmashtami on Sunday marking the birthday of Lord Sri Krishna.
According to the Hindu Purana (mythology), Lord Vishnu incarnated on earth as Lord Krishna in the prison of Raja Kangsa on this day, the eighth day of ‘Shukla Pakkha’ (bright fortnight) in the month of Bengali calendar year Bhadra during the Dwapara Yuga in order to protect ‘Dharma’ from the hands of devils.
Puja, discussion, recitation from Chandi, distribution of ‘prasad’ were held at Rajarbagh Borodeshwari Kalimata Temple in city’s Shabujbagh area since early Sunday where hundreds of local Hindu people joined to celebrate the day.
On the occasion, colorful Janmashtami processions, displaying the events of the life of Krishna, were brought out in the capital, divisional cities and districts.
Other programmes of the day included puja, prayer, discussion, cultural function, distribution of ‘prasad’ and feeding the poor.
Law enforcing agencies tightened security throughout the country to ensure safety and security of Janmashtami processions.
President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in separate messages, conveyed their greetings to the Hindu people on the occasion.
The President hosted a reception to the eminent citizens of Hindu community at Bangabhaban from 11:00am to 12:00 noon to mark the festival.
The day is public holiday.
National dailies and online news portals published special articles on the ideals of Lord Krishna while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television and private television channels aired special programmes highlighting significance of the day.
The Mohanagar Sarbojonin Puja Committee chalked out a two-day programme at the Dhakeshwari National Temple on August 17 and on August 22.
Sri Sri Geeta Jagna was held at 8:00pm seeking welfare of the nation and the country and the traditional Janmashtami procession was brought from the national temple at 3:00pm.
A discussion followed by a cultural show will be organized on the national temple premises at 4:00pm on August 22 to mark day.
Deputy High Commissioner of India Sandwip Chakroborty is expected to inaugurate the function that will be attended by Law Minister Advocate Anisul Huq as the chief guest and state minister for sports Biren Shikdar as the special guest.
In separate statements, Bangladesh Puja Utjapan Parishad president Kajal Debnath and general secretary Jayanta Kumar Deb and Mohanagar Sarbojonin Puja Committee president JL Bhowmick and general secretary Narayan Saha Moni greeted all citizens of the country on the occasion.
BDST: 2136 HRS, AUG 17, 2014
