Dhaka, Sep 04 (V7N)- The Hindu community is observing Janmashtami, the auspicious appearance day of Lord Krishna, across Bangladesh today, Friday (September 4), with due religious solemnity and festive spirit. A public holiday is being observed nationwide on the occasion.
According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Krishna appeared on the eighth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Bhadra during the Dwapara Yuga, under the Rohini star. At that time, the people of Mathura were suffering under the oppressive rule of King Kansa. A divine prophecy had foretold that Kansa would be killed by the eighth child of his sister Devaki.
Fearing the prophecy, Kansa imprisoned Devaki and her husband Vasudeva and killed their first seven children. Krishna was born as their eighth child in the prison on a dark night. Following divine instructions, Vasudeva carried the newborn Krishna across the Yamuna River to Gokul, where he was raised by Nanda and Yashoda.
Krishna's childhood stories as Gopala, including his playful activities as a cowherd boy, remain an important part of Hindu religious tradition. As an adult, he returned to Mathura and defeated the tyrant Kansa.
Later, during the Kurukshetra War described in the Mahabharata, Krishna served as Arjuna's charioteer and delivered the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizing righteousness, duty, devotion and selfless action.
On the occasion of Janmashtami, various religious and cultural programs are being organized across the country. Processions, Gita Yajnas, Krishna Puja, kirtans, aarti, distribution of prasad and religious discussions are being held at temples, monasteries and puja mandaps in Dhaka and different districts and upazilas.
The two-day Central Janmashtami Festival has also begun at the Dhakeshwari National Temple premises under the initiative of the Metropolitan Universal Puja Committee. A Gita Yajna was held at 8 am today for the peace and prosperity of the country and its people.
The historic Central Janmashtami procession is scheduled to begin at 3 pm from the Palashi intersection adjacent to Dhakeshwari Temple. The procession will pass through several roads of Old Dhaka before ending at Bahadur Shah Park. A special Sri Krishna Puja will be held at night.
Television channels, Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar are broadcasting special programs highlighting the significance of Janmashtami, while national newspapers have published special articles marking the occasion.
Devotees say Krishna's teachings of love, devotion, selfless action and resistance to injustice continue to inspire millions of followers around the world and remain an important foundation of their religious and spiritual life.
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