The holy Janmashtami, the birth celebration of Sri Krishna and one of the major festivals of the Hindu community, will be observed across the country today with due religious fervour and zeal.
According to Hindu Puran (mythology), Sri Krishna (Lord) was born on the eighth tithi of Shukla Pakkha (fortnight of the new moon) in the Bangla month of Bhadra and he takes birth in ages in the world to safeguard the good and pious people from the hands of bad-naughty persons by establishing truth, justice and beauty in society.
Different religious, cultural and social organisations have chalked out elaborate programmes in observance of the Janmashtami.
The day is a public holiday. National dailies will publish special articles while Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, other private TV channels and radio stations will air special programmes highlighting various aspects of the eventful life of Sri Krishna.
In separate messages, President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina greeted members of the Hindu community on the occasion of Janmashtami and wished all success of the programme.
Besides, President Abdul Hamid will exchange greetings with eminent citizens of Hindu community at Bangabhaban from 11 am to 12 noon today.
Mahanagar Sarbajanin Puja Committee has taken a two-day programme at the Dhakeshwari National Temple from today.
The programme includes prayer for welfare of the nation and the country through Sri Geeta Jagya at 8 am today while the traditional Janmashtami procession will be brought out from the national temple at 3 pm. Worshiping of Krishna will be held at night.
Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader will present at the Janmashtami procession as the chief guest while Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) mayor Sayeed Khokon will inaugurate it.
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal will be present as the special guest.
