DHAKA: Rathajatra of Sri Jagannath Dev, one of the major festivals of the Hindu community, started in the country on Saturday in a befitting manner.

The festival will come to an end with Ulto Rathajatra on July 26.

Different religious bodies and temple committees organized various programs to observe the festival. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) also chalked out a nine-day program in city.

Like the previous years, country’s largest Rathajatra festival held at Dhamrai in Manikganj district.

The programs of the festival started in the morning with rendering of Harisangkirtan, holding of Agnihotra Jagna seeking world peace and people’s welfare, recitation of verses from Srimat Bhagabat Geeta, distribution of mohaprosad, discussion, rendition of padaboli kirtan and arati, cultural function, staging of religious drama and screening of religious films.

The programs of the ISKCON at Swamibag in city started with holding of Agnihotra Jagna seeking divine blessings for world peace and people's welfare.

State minister for youth and sports Sri Biren Sikdar attended a discussion as the chief guest at the ISKCON premises. After the discussion, ruling Awami League Central Working Committee member Sujit Roy Nandi formally inaugurated the festival there by lighting “Mongol Pradeep” (lamp of welfare).

A colourful procession was brought out from Swamibagh, in the afternoon, setting idols of Sri Jagannath Dev, his brother Sri Balaram and sister Srimati Subhadra on three largely build Rathas.

The procession crossed Joikali Mandir Road Crossing, Shapla Square, Baitul Mukarram, Paltan intersection, National Press Club, High Court crossing, Doel Square, Ramna Kali Mandir, TSC, Jagannath Hall, Plassey Crossing and rounded up at the premises of the Dhakeswari National Temple.

BDST: 2224 HRS, JULY 18, 2015
SR