Colourful Mangal Shobhajatra held in Chakaria on Sri Krishna's Janmashtami

A colourful Mangal Shobhajatra was held in Chakaria, Cox's Bazar on the occasion of the auspicious Janmashtami of Sri Krishna. The procession began from the premises of the Chakaria Sarbojanin Central Hari Mandir at 10am on Friday, September 4.

Prior to the procession, a discussion meeting was held at the temple premises as part of the various programmes organised for Janmashtami. The Mangal Shobhajatra, cultural programmes, a grand religious assembly and 16-hour-long programmes were jointly organised by the Sri Sri Janmashtami Celebration Council, Chakaria Upazila branch, and Nityananda Gita Sangha.

The discussion meeting was presided over by Dr Tejendra Lal De, president of the Chakaria Sarbojanin Central Hari Mandir Mahotsav Celebration Council. Chakaria Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Shahin Delwar was present as the chief guest. The programme was conducted by Narayan Kanti Dash, president of the Sri Sri Janmashtami Celebration Council, Chakaria Upazila branch. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Md Abdul Aziz inaugurated the Mangal Shobhajatra.

Special guests who spoke at the meeting included Tapan Kanti Dash, president of Chakaria Upazila Puja Celebration Council; Pradeep Kanti Dash, acting president of Chiringa Hindupara Youth Welfare Association; Chakaria Poura Councilor Jafar Alam Kalu; Haradhan Dash and Montu Basak, advisors to Chakaria Sarbojanin Central Hari Mandir; Bikash Dhar (Mahajan); and Sulal Sushil, former general secretary of Chakaria Jewellers Association, along with leaders of various local organisations.

Later, the colourful Mangal Shobhajatra began from the Hari Mandir premises. The procession paraded through the main roads of the town and concluded back at the central Hari Mandir. Devotees participated in the procession holding various placards. Many also took part dressed as Sri Krishna, Radharani and other deities.

A festive spirit was evident among local Hindus on the occasion of Janmashtami. Security was also tightened in the town around the procession. Members of various law enforcement agencies, including the upazila administration, police and RAB-15, performed security duties.