DHAKA: Janmashtami, also known as Gokulashtami, marking the occasion of birth of Lord Sri Krishna will be celebrated Wednesday.

Sri Krishna was born in the `Rohini` nakshatram (star) to King Vasudeva and Devaki Devi on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Sravana.

Sri Krishna is considered eighth avatar (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu`s, one of three major Hindu gods, on earth. He is considered to be the Lord`s most glorious incarnation.

Sri Krishna was a manifestation of joy at all levels and in all walks of life. No other god in the Hindu pantheon, for that matter in any other religion, is associated with so many romantic tales and so fully radiating with all the divine attributes as Sri Krishna.

Since Sri Krishna lived in luxury throughout his life, Sri Krishna Jayanti is celebrated with pomp and splendor. Plenty of sweets are made on this day.

In addition, plenty of milk products, especially butter, which was Sri Krishna`s favorite childhood food, are given in offerings. A wide variety of fruits are also offered. The most common sweets made are laddus and payasam.

To mark the day, President Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in separate messages congratulated the Hindu community across the country.

President Zillur Rahman in his message said the ideal of Sri Krishna was to spread love and affection instead of hatred among all human beings.

“Love of human beings and harmony were the essence of his ideal that won the hearts of the people,” Rahman said.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in her message said Sri Krishna was engaged in upholding love for man and justice. “He practiced the truth and beauty with his lifestyle and deeds. His aim was to establish brotherhood and unity,” she said.

A Geeta recitation will herald the celebrations at Dhakeswari National Temple, Puja Celebration Council President in Dhaka Subrata Chowdhury said.

In the afternoon on Wednesday, a procession will be brought out while Krishna Puja will be held at night.

Besides, a discussion meeting will take place Friday.

Country’s largest procession has been arranged at Chittagong. Chittagong unit Janmashtami Celebration Council president Shukumar Chowdhury said the procession will begin at JM Sen Hall at 10 am Wednesday. State Minister for Home Affairs Shamsul Huq Tuku will inaugurate the procession.

In Dhaka’s Ramkrishna Mission, special arrangement has been made. A three-day celebration will take place at Ramkrishna Goswami Giridhari Akhra at Faridabad.

BDST 2020 HRS, AUGUST 31, 2010.