Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued a warning to vehicle users and drivers to avoid roads used for the annual Ratha Yatra festival in Dhaka, organized by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). The festival will feature a colorful procession with chariots carrying images of deities from the Swamibagh temple to the Dhakeshwari National Temple. The DMP has requested alternative routes be used and a similar procession will be held in reverse on July 15. The event showcases a three-dimensional view of Bangladesh to the world through an Internet-based portal.
Jagannath Ratha Yatra: A Divine Procession in Dhaka
The Ratha Yatra festival, a grand celebration of Hinduism, is an annual event that attracts thousands of devotees and spectators in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Organized by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), the festival features a colorful procession with chariots carrying images of deities from the Swamibagh temple to the Dhakeshwari National Temple.
Historical Background
The Ratha Yatra festival originated in Puri, India, where Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Krishna, is worshipped. The festival commemorates the annual journey of Lord Jagannath to his summer palace, the Gundicha temple. The tradition of celebrating Ratha Yatra in Dhaka dates back to the 1970s, when ISKCON established a temple in the city.
Significance and Rituals
Ratha Yatra is a significant religious event for Hindus, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The procession consists of three large chariots: Nandighosha (Lord Jagannath), Taladhwaja (Lord Baladeva), and Darpadalana (Subhadra Devi). The chariots are adorned with intricate carvings and pulled by devotees.
During the festival, devotees chant hymns, sing devotional songs, and dance in front of the chariots. The procession is accompanied by traditional musical instruments, such as drums, cymbals, and horns. The festival also involves the offering of food and other items to the deities.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police Warning
In order to ensure the safety of the procession and participants, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued a warning to vehicle users and drivers to avoid roads used for the festival. The DMP has requested alternative routes be used and has advised motorists to follow traffic rules and regulations.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. When and where does the Ratha Yatra festival take place in Dhaka?
The festival takes place annually in July and involves a procession from the Swamibagh temple to the Dhakeshwari National Temple in Dhaka.
2. What are the main features of the festival?
The festival features a procession with three chariots carrying images of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva, and Subhadra Devi, accompanied by devotees chanting and dancing.
3. What is the significance of the Ratha Yatra festival?
The festival commemorates the annual journey of Lord Jagannath to his summer palace and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.
4. What is the role of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police during the festival?
The DMP ensures the safety of the procession and participants by regulating traffic, maintaining crowd control, and issuing warnings to vehicle users.
5. How can I participate in the Ratha Yatra festival?
Devotees and spectators can participate by joining the procession, chanting hymns, offering prayers, and following the guidelines set by the organizers.
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