ZCZC
BSS-45
RATHA-YATRA
Ratha Yatra begins
DHAKA, July 04, 2019 (BSS)-Ratha Yatra, the chariot festival of Sri Jagannath Dev and one of the major festivals of the Hindu community, began today.
The festival will come to an end with Ulto Ratha Yatra (return journey) on July 12.
In observance of the festival, different religious bodies and temple committees took various programmes.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKON) chalked out a nine-day programme in Dhaka.
President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the occasion of the religious festival.
The programmes of the festival began in the morning with rendering of Harisangkirtan, holding of Agnihotra Jagna seeking world peace and people’s welfare, recitation of verses from Srimat Bhagabat Geeta, distribution of mohaprosad, discussion, rendition of padaboli kirtan and arati, cultural function, staging of religious drama and screening of religious films.
The programmes of the ISKON at Swamibagh in Dhaka started with holding of Agnihotra Jagna seeking divine blessings for world peace and people’s welfare.
In the afternoon, a discussion was organised on its premises.
Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Mayor Sayeed Khokon attended the discussion as the chief guest while Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder inaugurated the festival through the lighting of ‘Mongol Prodip’ (lamps).
A colourful procession was brought out from Swamibagh setting images of Sri Jagannath Dev, his brother Sri Balaram and sister Srimati Subhadra on three largely built Rathas (chariots).
Then the devotees pulled the ropes of the chariots through Tikatuli, Ittefak intersection, Shapla Chattar, Dainik Bangla, Purana Paltan intersection, National Press Club, High Court crossing, Doel Square, Dhaka University TSC, Jagannath Hall, Palashi Crossing and round up the Ratha Yatra on the premises of the Dhakeswari National Temple.
Besides, the Ratha Yatra festival was also celebrated at Ramseeta Mandir on Joikali Mandir Road, at Shankharibazar and Jagannath Jeo Mandir at Tantibazar in old city and other places across the country.
The festival was also celebrated at Dhamrai on the outskirts of Dhaka city. The country’s largest procession marking the festival was brought out there.
BSS/ASG/TRA/TAN/KU/1955 HRS