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Ratha Yatra begins todayfdhaka


Bangladeshpost
Published : 03 Jul 2019 08:48 PM | Updated : 05 Sep 2020 10:21 AM

Ratha Yatra, the chariot festival of Sri Jagannath Dev and one of the major festivals of the Hindu community, will begin today, reports BSS. In observance of the festival, different religious bodies and temple committees have drawn up various programmes. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKON) has chalked out a nine-day programme in Dhaka. President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina greeted members of the Hindu community on the occasion of Ratha Yatra.

In separate messages on the eve of the religious festival, they wished all success of all programmes. The programmes of the festival begins 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 starts with holding of Agnihotra Jagna seeking divine blessings for world peace and people’s welfare.
In the afternoon, a discussion will be organised on its premises. Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Mayor Sayeed Khokon will attend the discussion at 1 pm as the chief guest while Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder will inaugurate the festival through the lighting of ‘Mongol Prodip’ (lamps).

Later in the afternoon, a colourful procession will be 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 will pull 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 will also be 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 will be celebrated at Dhamrai on the outskirts of Dhaka city in pomp and d,cor. The country’s largest procession marking the festival will be brought out there. Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni will attend the festival as the chief guest at 3.30pm. The festival will come to an end with Ulto Ratha Yatra (return journey) on July 12.