Bhubaneswar, March 15: As the Holi celebrations swept across Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi joined police personnel on Saturday to celebrate the festival of colors. The event, held at the CM's Grievance Cell office in the Unit 5 area of Bhubaneswar, also saw the participation of Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania.
In a message posted on X, Majhi, who also holds the Home portfolio, extended his warm greetings to all: "My warmest greetings to everyone on the occasion of the sacred festival of Holi. May this festival of brotherhood and friendship fill everyone’s lives with happiness, peace, and joy. I wish everyone a blessed life from Radha Govinda. #Holi."
Following Odisha's tradition, the state celebrates Holi a day after the rest of the country. On Friday evening, the Chief Minister also celebrated the festival with journalists at the BJP state headquarters, where State BJP president Manmohan Samal and other party leaders were present.
Governor Haribabu Kambhampati also extended Holi wishes, encouraging people to celebrate with natural colors. "Enjoy the occasion by using natural colours," he said in his message.
Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik, who is currently in Delhi, conveyed his wishes for a joyous Holi. He said, "Greetings and best wishes on the joyous and joyful festival of Holi. May the mercy of Lord Jagannath be upon everyone. #HappyHoli."
In a heartwarming gesture, visually impaired students at Bhima Bhoi Drustihina Vidyalaya celebrated Holi, with former Odisha Congress President Prasad Harichandan organizing the event. Harichandan said, "Holi is a festival celebrated worldwide, beyond religion and creed. We celebrate it with these children, and they truly enjoy it."
Bollywood actress and BJP MP Hema Malini, who had come to Puri from Mathura, visited the Jagannath Temple and participated in a special Holi celebration organized by BJP MP Sambit Patra. Patra shared, "She participated in the Vrindavan Mahotsav yesterday and today is celebrating Holi with the people of Puri, following Odisha's traditions. She celebrated Phoolon Ki Holi, performed an aarti of Lord Jagannath, and also enjoyed pitha."
To ensure a safe and peaceful celebration, the police implemented elaborate security measures across the state. Personnel were stationed at key locations, maintaining strict vigilance during the festivities. Authorities also advised the public to avoid venturing into water bodies, particularly while inebriated, to prevent drowning incidents.
