The Hindu community across Bangladesh is observing Janmashtami today, marking the birth of Lord Sri Krishna, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism.
The festival is being celebrated with religious fervour, cultural programmes, and nationwide festivities.
According to Hindu mythology, Sri Krishna was born on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the Bangla month of Bhadra. Believers hold that he incarnates in every age to protect the virtuous, defeat evil, and uphold truth and justice in society. Traditionally, the festival falls on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha in the months of Shraban or Bhadra.
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has extended greetings to members of the Hindu community on the occasion.
The day is a public holiday in Bangladesh, with temples, cultural institutions, and religious organisations hosting programmes to honour the birth of Lord Krishna.
The Mahanagar Sarbajanin Puja Committee is organising the central celebration at Dhakeshwari National Temple, the country’s principal temple. The day’s programmes began with a Geeta Joggo at 8:00 am, conducted by Shankar Math and Mission from Sitakunda, Chattogram.
A grand Janmashtami procession will set off at 3:00 pm from the city’s Palashi intersection, inaugurated by Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, and Bangladesh Army 9th Infantry Division GOC Major General Md Moin Khan are also scheduled to attend.
The colourful procession will parade through major city landmarks, including Jagannath Hall, Shaheed Minar, Doyel Chattar, High Court intersection, Banga Bazar, and Golapshah Majar, before concluding at Bahadur Shah Park.
A special discussion on Janmashtami will take place on August 19 at Dhakeshwari National Temple, with Primary and Mass Education Adviser Professor Dr Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar attending as the chief guest.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has arranged a four-day programme at Swamibagh Asram in Dhaka, beginning 14 August. Activities include recitations from the Srimad Bhagavad Geeta, devotional song performances, vog arati, distribution of mahaprashad, discussions, and cultural functions.
Beyond the capital, temples and religious institutions across Bangladesh are also holding special prayers, cultural events, and community feasts to commemorate the day.
National dailies have published feature articles, while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, and private broadcasters are airing special programmes highlighting the life and philosophy of Lord Krishna.
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