Dhaka: Janmashtami, the day of the divine appearance of Lord Krishna, is being celebrated on Thursday across Bangladesh amid due religious festivity and fervour.

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 the hands of devils.  

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

Hindu community members will bring out processions in the capital, divisional cities and district towns displaying the eventful life of Krishna and hold other programmes on the occasion.

President Abdul Hamid will host a reception at Bangabhaban marking the day.

The day is a public holiday.

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

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

He urged all to be aware so that no one could create chaos in the country in the name of religion or misinterpreting it.  

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