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Janmastami (literally, birth+eighth) Hindu religious
festival held in observance of the birthday of krishna,
who is traditionally believed to have been born on astami tithi
(eighth day) of the moonless fortnight of Bhadra. Thus the day is known
as Janmastami. Numerous festivals are held in Bangladesh and India on
the day.
Processions have long been brought out on the occasion of Janmastami
in Dhaka city. These processions were once so famous that people
from home and abroad used to come to watch them. It is believed
that Janmastami processions were begun by a sadhu (holy
man) of Bangshal in 1555.
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Procession of Janmastami,
Dhaka |
It was then called 'Shri Shri Radhastami'. Later on
he received permission from the local administration to bring out a more
gorgeous and festive procession on the occasion of Krishna's birthday.
The first gorgeous Janmastami procession was brought
out in 1565. Responsibility for the procession was given to the family
of an affluent businessman, Krishnadas Basak. In 1725, two businessmen,
Gadadhar and Balai Chand Basak of Islampur, organised another procession.
To avoid any conflict between the two groups, the British government of
the time issued instructions that the two processions should be brought
out on two separate days.
During the colonial period, both Hindus and Muslims used to participate in the Janmastami processions, which would present the life-story of Krishna through songs and dances. Different ancient stories were also depicted through paintings or acted by clowns. After the partition of India in 1947, many Hindus, including patrons of the procession, migrated to India. There were also a number of attacks on Janmastami processions. As a result, these processions were no longer brought out. Janmastami processions were revived after the independence of Bangladesh in 1971. At present, Janmastami processions are brought out from Dhakeswari Temple every year. After going round different areas of the city, the procession culminates at the temple. The day is a public holiday. Different organisations and institutes hold religious discussions and cultural shows on the occasion. Articles highlighting the ideals of Krishna are published in the newspapers.
Radio and television also put up special programmes on the occasion.
The devotees of Krishna believe that if they observe
Janmastami vrata, they are absolved of their sins and that those
who perform this vrata regularly are blessed with children, fortune, good
health, and ultimate salvation in the after-world. In some areas, Janmastami
is known as 'Gokulastami'. [Dulal Bhowmik]
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