The Hindu community of the country is observing Janmashtami, marking the birth of Lord Krishna with due religious fervor on Friday (Aug 23).

The day is a public holiday. Different social, cultural and religious organizations have chalked out elaborate programs to observe the day.

Members of the Hindu community is set to bring out processions in Dhaka, divisional cities, and district towns displaying the eventful life of Krishna and hold other programs on the occasion.

Meanwhile, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in separate messages greeted the Hindu community members on the occasion.

In his message, the president said Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony where people of all religions perform their own religious rituals freely.

The premier in her message hoped that the ideals and teachings of Krishna will inspire his disciples to further consolidate the ties of communal harmony, friendship and fraternity.

Besides, national dailies have published special articles while Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television and other private TV channels, and radio stations have been airing special programs highlighting the different aspects of the eventful life of Lord Krishna, UNB reported.

According to Hindu religion, Lord Vishnu incarnated in the universe as Lord Krishna in the prison of Raja Kangsa on this day, the eighth of “Shukla Pakkha” (bright fortnight) in the month of Bengali calendar Bhadra in Dwapara Yuga in order to protect “Dharma” from devil's hands.

Sri Krishna was born to Devaki and her husband Vasudeva in Mathura to which Krishna’s parents belonged.