Dhaka: Janmashtami, one of the significant religious festivals of the Hindu community commemorating the birth of Lord Sri Krishna, was celebrated across the country with religious fervor and gaiety. On this occasion, various programs including colorful processions, discussions, recitations from the Srimad Bhagavad Geeta, performances of devotional songs, vog arati, distribution of mahaprashad, and cultural events were organized in the capital and other parts of the country.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Janmashtami celebrations began with Geeta Joggo at 8:00 AM at Dhakeshwari National Temple, seeking welfare for the country and its people. Around 9:00 AM, Hindu community leaders, including Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad President Basudeb Dhar and General Secretary Santosh Sharma, along with Mohanagar Sarbojanin Puja Committee President Jayanta Kumar Deb and General Secretary Tapash Chandra Paul, participated in the Guru Boron program.
Shankar Math and Mission at Sitakunda in Chattogram conducted the Gita Joggo at the Dhakeshwari National Temple. In Hindu mythology, Sri Krishna is believed to have been 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 Dr. Muhammad Yunus extended greetings to the members of the Hindu community. A discussion was held at the Palashi intersection, where Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman spoke as the chief guest, with Mohanagar Sarbojanin Puja Committee President Jayanta Kumar Deb presiding. 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 also attended the discussion.
After the discussion, the guests lit ceremonial lamps and inaugurated the historic central colorful Janmashtami procession, which passed through several key locations including Palashi Mor, Jagannath Hall, Central Shaheed Minar, and Bahadur Shah Park. The procession featured decorative floats depicting scenes from the life of Sri Krishna, including Krishna’s chariot, Radha-Krishna couple statue, and the prison of Kansa.
Devotees from Dhaka city and nearby upazilas joined the procession with trucks, mini-trucks, pickups, and even horse carts. Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), and different social, cultural, and religious organizations celebrated the day with various programs. Additionally, different temples such as Ramna Kalimandir and Mirpur Central Temple organized special rituals and cultural events in observance of Janmashtami.
The day was marked as a public holiday. National dailies published special articles, while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, and private TV and radio stations aired special programs highlighting different aspects of the life and philosophy of Lord Sri Krishna.