The New Nation - Internet Edition

Our Correspondent, Barisal

Janmastami, the birthday of Lord Krishna and one of the major religious festivals of the Hindu community has been celebrated in Barisal on Sunday in festive mood and with much enthusiasm and religious fervor glory,

In Hindu mythology Krishna is regarded as the epitome of transcendental qualities. His mission was to free the earth from evil and wrongdoing. Bangladesh Puja Udjapon Parishad Barisal branch has taken a 41 days program to celebrate the festival in a befitting manner. The day's programme began with bringing out a colorful traditional Janmastami procession named as 'Mongol Shovajatra' with placards, festoons, and traditional motifs and drama scenes from Dharmarakkhini Sava at Kalibari Road area of the city at 10:00 am and Krishna Puja at night.

The procession moving on main city streets ended at Barisal Ramkrishna Mission. Worship (puja) of Sree Krishna, recitation from the holy Geeta and Yagga for seeking divine blessings for peace and prosperity of the community, nation and country held at Ramakrishna Mission. Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Barisal Range inaugurated the programs and Mongol Shovajatra. Participants of theses programs emphasized strengthening the existing bond of harmony and fraternity in society and building up Bangladesh as a happy and prosperous country.

'The bonds of communal harmony and fraternity have been prevailing among the people of Bangladesh for thousands of years. I hope Sri Krishna's ideology and lesson of love for mankind and justice would encourage his followers', they opined. On the second day of the festival, worship of the goddess Mahamaya and Chandi Path (recitation from Chandi) would be held at the Bishnu Temple of the city. Pala Kirtan, Harinam Sankirton, Ramayan Gaan, recitations from Sreemat Bhagobat Geeta and Puran will also be held.

A 39 days long program of Kirtan, recitation from holy books and discussion meetings would also be started from Monday at Dharma Rakkhini Sava and Ramakrishna Mission. The serial programs on the occasion of Janamastami would be ended on October 3, 2008.