Country celebrates a colourful Janmashtami

People from all walks of life came together yesterday in a vibrant display of unity in celebrating Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Sree Krishna, a revered deity in Hinduism.

The historic Janmashtami procession commenced at the Palashi intersection yesterday afternoon, continuing a tradition spanning over 450 years.

This procession, a testament to the diverse and inclusive nature of Bangladesh, attracted participants from various religious communities, and made its way through the important streets of Dhaka before culminating in front of Bahadur Shah Park in Laxmibazar.

Devotees from all corners of the capital, joined the procession on trucks, minitrucks, pickups, and lorries. The entire area was transformed into a sea of people, with many children perched on their parents' shoulders, eager to be part of this grand spectacle.

The devotees of Lord Krishna participated in the procession dressed as various characters from Lord Krishna's life, including his chariot, the twin idols of Radha-Krishna, and even Kansa.

Five-year-old Gopal said, "My mother has dressed me up as Lord Krishna."

Another participant, Soumitra, who portrayed Kansa, the maternal uncle of Lord Krishna who famously sought to harm him, said, "I may be dressed as Kansa Mama, but I am a devoted follower of Lord Krishna. We should all draw lessons from his life."

Expressing his satisfaction with the arrangements, Proloy Adhikary, a devotee, said, "Every year, I come here to revel in the beauty of the procession."

Sandipta Sen, another devotee from Azimpur, exclaimed, "Watching children dressed as Lord Krishna and Radha is truly awesome."

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader and Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh inaugurated the Janmashtami procession.

Quader emphasised the enduring relevance of Lord Krishna's teachings, urging everyone to remember and apply his five pieces of advice for a harmonious society.

Taposh called for unity against reactionary, communal, and militant forces to safeguard the unity of Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, Janmashtami celebrations resonated throughout the country in a festive atmosphere with processions, discussions, Bhagavad Gita recitations, Aarti, Kirtan, cultural performances, and theme-based seminars.