Followers of the minority Hindu faith held prayers and took out processions in Bangladesh on Monday (August 26, 2024). This is the biggest Hindu festival since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government earlier this month.

Temples in Dhaka and in other cities held Kirtan and Geeta Yagya as thousands of Hindus were seen visiting temples and offering prayers.

The mood of the festival, which is a public holiday in Dhaka, was set by Chief Adviser to the Interim Government of Bangladesh Prof. Muhammad Yunus, who appeared on TV on Sunday (August 25, 2024) evening for a national address and assured that citizens of Bangladesh will not be discriminated against on the basis of religion or political beliefs.

Apart from the Dhakeshwari temple of Dhaka, celebrations have been reported from Chittagong, Rangpur and other areas of Bangladesh, though the festivity in the eastern districts of Brahmanbaria, Comilla and Feni has been dampened because of the floods.

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In many places, the festival committees pledged financial support to the flood-affected regions in the east. In many festival spots, representatives from the biggest opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s cadre were seen helping with the organisational work.

The celebrations of Sri Krishna Janmashtami came twenty-one days after the departure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, which coincided with reported attacks on the minority communities of Bangladesh. The spirit of brotherhood generated by Prof. Yunus’ speech was, however, dented later in the evening when a large group of student protesters, the predominant political group in post-Hasina Bangladesh, clashed with the paramilitary Ansar employees.

Ansar members had been protesting, seeking regularization of their services. By various accounts, around six million members of the Ansar group were hired during the Sheikh Hasina years.

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Later during Sunday (August 25, 2024) night, the students held a press meeting in which they accused the Ansar group of being pro-Hasina and accused the Indian authorities and Ms. Hasina of provoking the paramilitary to launch the attack.

On the other hand, Prof. Yunus has urged all sections of Bangladesh society to desist from launching protests in order to press their demands and requested the pressure groups to give written statements seeking resolution of problems.

Janmashtami is celebrated with utmost joy and fervour by the devotees of Lord Krishna. The day, also known as Krishnashtami, Gokulashtami, Ashtami Rohini, Srikrishna Jayanti and Sree Jayanthi, marks the birth of Lord Krishna. On this day, devotees observe fast and seek blessings for the wellbeing of their family. This year, the festival falls on September 6 and 7.

Here are some wishes and messages that you can share with your friends and family on this occasion:

• India celebrates the festival of Janmashtami with enthusiasm. From little Kanhaiya’s jhula to dahi handi’s joy, Janmashtami is full of fun and happiness.
• May the sweet melodies of Lord Krishna’s flute fill your heart with boundless joy and serenity. On this auspicious Janmashtami, may your life be graced with love, happiness, and inner peace.
• Embrace the devotion of Lord Krishna on this Janmashtami and experience divine bliss. May your celebration be a journey towards spiritual fulfilment and enlightenment.
• May your life be adorned with virtues such as wisdom, love, and the ability to face challenges with grace, just as Lord Krishna exemplifies. Shine brightly with positivity and kindness.
• Krishna’s teachings continue to be a source of timeless wisdom and enlightenment. May you find enduring inspiration and guidance in his divine words. May his wisdom shape your choices.
• May you find strength in Lord Krishna’s teachings and find the courage to overcome life’s challenges with grace and resilience.
• Wishing you a Janmashtami filled with devotion and love for Lord Krishna. May his divine presence always light up your life.
• May Lord Krishna’s journey inspire each action of your life, and may you apply his teachings to navigate your own path with courage and grace. Happy Janmashtami.
• On this auspicious day of Janmashtami, may your heart be filled with the divine love of Lord Krishna, and may his blessings shower upon you.
• May Krishna’s eternal love and grace enrich your life not just today but on every day of your life’s journey. Happy Janmashtami.