Janmashtami celebrated across country

The Hindu community of the country observed Janmashtami, marking the birth of Lord Krishna, on Friday with due religious fervor, reports UNB.

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 to which Krishna's parents belonged.

Members of the Hindu community brought out processions in the capital, divisional cities and district towns displaying the eventful life of Krishna and held other programmes on the occasion.

The largest procession of Janmashtami was brought out in the city's Palashi intersection. Even torrential rain could not dampen the festivity. The participants had colorful banners and festoons depicting the birth of Krishna and his early years.

Animesh Paul, a student who took part in the procession with his friends, said this festival helps him believe in a future for everyone. "The message is that no-one should be without love for others," he said.

Various social, cultural and religious organisations chalked out elaborate programmes to celebrate the occasion.

The day is a public holiday.

President Abdul Hamid and prime minister Sheikh Hasina in separate messages greeted the members of Hindu community.

In his message, the president said Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony where people of all religions perform their own religious rituals freely.

In her message, the prime minister hoped that the ideals and teachings of Krishna will inspire his disciples to further consolidate the ties of communal harmony, friendship and fraternity.

National dailies will publish special articles while Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television and other private TV channels and radio stations aired special programmes highlighting different aspects of the eventful life of Lord Krishna.