Dhaka: The Rathajatra of Lord Jagannath Dev, one of the major festivals of the Hindu community, began today amid religious fervour and enthusiasm.

In observance of the festival, different religious bodies and temple committees drew up various programmes.

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKON) chalked out a nine-day programme in Dhaka. Like the previous years, the country's largest Rathajatra festival was held at Dhamrai in Manikganj.

The programmes began in the morning with rendering of Harinam Sangkirtan, holding of Agnihotra Jagna seeking world peace and people's welfare, recitation of verses from holy Srimat Bhagabat Geeta, distribution of mohaprosad, discussion, rendition of padaboli kirtan and arati, cultural function, staging of religious drama and screening of religious films.

The programmes of the ISKON at Swamibag in Dhaka started with holding of Agnihotra Jagna seeking divine blessings for world peace and people's welfare. To mark the festival a discussion was organised on its premises at midday. State Minister for Youth and Sports Biren Sikdar joined the discussion as chief guest with Principal of ISKON, Swamibagh Ashram Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari in the chair.

Later in the afternoon, three chariots of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balaram and sister Subhadra commenced their journey from the ISKON temple after Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Harsh Vardhan Shringla inaugurated the festival by lighting up "Mongol Pradeep" (lamp of welfare).

Hundreds of devotees pulled the ropes of the chariots through different nearby city thoroughfares and returned to the temple.

Besides, a discussion was held at Ramseeta Mandir on Joikali Mandir Road at Shankharibazar marking the festival. Food Minister Advocate Qamrul Islam, Dhaka City South unit of Awami League General Secretary Shahe Alam Murad, Bangabandhu Sangskritik Jote General Secretary Arun Sarker Rana joined the discussion with Ramseeta Mandir Committee President Ganesh Chandra Ghosh in the chair.

Rathajatra of Jagannath Jeo Mandir began from Tantibazar in old city and travelled different city thoroughfares.

The festival will come to an end with Ulto Rathajatra on 14 July.