Janmastami celebrated amid tight security

The festival was celebrated in a low-key manner this time because of current floods and present political situation.

Thousands of men, women and children joined the historic Janmastami rally and procession brought out from the Dhakeshwari Temple. It ended at the Bahadur Shah Park after parading through different parts of the capital.

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Inaugurating the procession, Mayor Sadeque Hossain Khoka said people of every faith have the right to celebrate their religious festivals in the country.

Local MP Nasiruddin Pinto, Maj. Gen. (retd.) CR Datta, Prof Nim Chandra Bhoumik of Dhaka University and Ward Commissioner Golam Moshad also spoke.

The number of participants in the rally was less than in the previous year because of recent grenade attack on an Awami League rally, some of the devotees said.

"I think that three or four thousand devotees took part in the rally this time whereas 40 or 50 thousands used to join the rallies in the previous years," said Manindra Kumar Nath, general secretary of Mahanagar Sarbajanin Puja Committee.

Tight security was in place around the festival venues and temples. Subrata Chowdhury, president of the Puja Committee, expressed satisfaction over the security measures taken by the government.

Different religious organisations also arranged programmes, including prayers to Lord Krishna, puja, discussion and drama at temples.

A Geeta jagna was also held at the Dhakeshwari Temple for peace and prosperity of the country.

The day was a public holiday.

Mohanagar Sarbajanin Puja Committee will also hold a discussion at the Dhakeshwari Temple at 5.00pm today.

Sree Chaitanya Shikkha and Sangskritik Sangha has taken up a five-day programme, including quiz competition, discussion, cultural function and Kirtan. The programmes are being held at the Jagannath Hall of Dhaka University.