BSS, Dhaka :
The Rathajatra, chariot festival of Lord Jagannath and one of the religious festivals of the Hindu community, begins today. The Ulto Rathajatra return journey of the chariot, will be held on July 7.
In observance of the festival, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKON) will bring out a colourful march placing Lord Jagannath, his sister Shubhadra and brother Balaram in three tastefully decorated chariots from its
Swamibag Ashram (temple) at 3 pm today. The ISKON will also organise a discussion on its premises in which Industries Minister Amur Hossain Amu will attend as the chief guest. Following the discussion, state minister for Fisheries and Animal Resources Narayan Chandra Chanda will inaugurate the Rathajatra lighting Mongal Prodeep (sacred lamp).
Sources in the ISKON said the marchers (Hindu devotees) pulling the chariots will parade through Tikatuly, Ittefaq intersection, Shapla Chattar (square), Dainik Bangla intersection, Purana Paltan, Topkhana Road, Doel Chattar, TSC, and the street in front of Jagannath Hall, Plassey and drag the chariots into the premises of Dakeshwari National Temple.
In separate messages, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday conveyed their greetings to the members of the country’s Hindu community on the occasion of holy Rathajatra to be celebrated on Sunday.
In his message on the eve festival, the President said, “Bangladesh is a unique instance of communal harmony. Over the ages, people of various religious faiths are celebrating their respective festivals and other social functions with pomp co- existing together in this land peacefully”.
“I came to know that the members of the Hindu community and different organisations including the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKON) have chalked out various programmes on the occasion of the Rathajatra (chariot festival of Lord Jagannath). I wish success of the programmes. I hope that the Rathajatra of Lord Jagannath would help create fraternity among all in the country” Abdul Hamid added.
