Ratha Yatra, the chariot festival of Sri Jagannath Dev and one of the major festivals of the Hindu community, will begin on Thursday.
Ratha Yatra is observed by taking an image of a deity in a procession (yatra) through the streets in a chariot. This affords darshan (auspicious viewing) of the deity to worshippers who, because of caste or sectarian restrictions, are not admitted to the sanctuary.
In observance of the festival, different religious bodies and temple committees have drawn up various programs.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKON) has chalked out a nine-day program in Dhaka.
President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina greeted members of the Hindu community on the occasion of Ratha Yatra.
In his message, President Hamid said the Ratha Yatra, a significant religious festival of the Hindu community, is being observed in the country with due respect and religious solemnity from ancient times.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message, said Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony. She said the followers of different religions, who are living together here for long, have set a unique example of communal harmony and amity.
The premier said after independence, Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had ensured religious freedom in the country.
The programs of the festival begin in the morning with the 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.
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 by 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).
Besides, the Ratha Yatra festival will also be celebrated at the Ramseeta Mandir on the Joikali Mandir Road, at Shankharibazar and Jagannath Jeo Mandir inTantibazar in the old city and other places across the country.
The festival will come to an end with Ulto Ratha Yatra (return journey) on July 12.
