Puri: Renowned Bollywood actress and Member of Parliament from Mathura, Hema Malini, visited the revered Jagannath Temple in Puri. After offering prayers, she celebrated Holi with Mahaprabhu, expressing her immense joy at the experience.
Hema Malini shared her excitement, stating, “It brings me great happiness to play Holi with Mahaprabhu. Yesterday, I celebrated Holi in Mathura, and today, I am here in Puri for the same occasion.”
Expressing Gratitude to Odisha’s People
Accompanied by BJP leaders Ratikanta and Sambit Patra, Hema Malini extended her gratitude to the people of Odisha for their warmth and hospitality. During her visit, young Kolkata-based dancer Nisha Sahu performed a mesmerizing dance in front of the temple’s Singhadwara as a tribute to Mahaprabhu. The actress was captivated by the performance and praised the dancer’s skills, encouraging her to continue refining her art.
Special Holi Message and Odisha’s Traditional Sweets
In a heartfelt message, Hema Malini urged people to celebrate Holi with joy and devotion. “Play Holi with enthusiasm and apply vibrant colors. Flowers are dear to Lord Jagannath, so celebrate Holi with floral offerings,” she advised.
BJP MP Sambit Patra expressed his delight at Hema Malini’s visit, highlighting its significance. “It is a matter of pride that Hema Malini ji, a prominent BJP leader and celebrated actress, has come from Mathura to Jagannath Dham, Puri. She also relished Odisha’s famous sweet, Pitha, and appreciated the state’s rich art, culture, and traditions.”
Honored at Vrindavan Mahotsav
During her Odisha visit, Hema Malini also participated in the Vrindavan Mahotsav, organized in Bhubaneswar by legendary flutist Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia. She performed Odissi and Kathak at the prestigious annual festival, where Puri’s MP and BJP’s national spokesperson Sambit Patra was also present. As a token of appreciation, Sambit Patra presented her with an intricately carved silver artwork of Lord Jagannath.
Hema Malini’s visit to Puri was a blend of spiritual devotion, cultural appreciation, and festive celebration, leaving a lasting impression on her followers and the people of Odisha.
