Hema Malini's Braj Mahotsav shifted to April 25-26

Bharatiya Janta Party leader Hema Malini has announced that the two-day Braj Mahotsav, which was postponed due to the farmers being adversely affected by unseasonal rain and hailstorms in the region, will now be held April 25-26.

The actress says efforts are being made to help the farmers in the best possible way, as well as towards women empowerment.

"I was keen on doing something for this Krishna Janmbhoomi. We were indeed organising Braj Mahotsav of two days earlier this month. However, with the recent problems of the farmers we have decided to shift it to April 25-26," Hema, member of parliament from Mathura, told IANS.

She says that upon realising the "grave problems" of the farmers, she took about a "handful" of agriculturists to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well as Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

"They have promised to help these farmers. I also worry about their loans which they have to pay back with an exorbitant interest. We have requested their loans to be waived off. Whatever little help we will get during this Braj Mahotsav, we will use these funds for the requirements of the farmers," she added.

For the Braj Mahotsav, a typical village of Braj area is coming up at the venue, and scores of artistes and craftsmen from different parts are busy sculpting idols of Radha and Krishna with gopis, organisers of the festival said.

Bollywood's eminent art director Nitin Desai leads the team of designers, artistes and craftsmen to recreate a page from history, projecting the heritage glory of the Braj mandal through artistic depiction of the flora and fauna, with the Govardhan hill as the prime focus of attention.

A huge stage - 90x60 - will be used for the main programmes that include dances, solo and group, singing of bhajans and dramatic presentations.

"It is a dream project of the 'Dream Girl' and a galaxy of Bollywood stars will be there," said a Vrindavan panda Govinda Das.

Hema is also keen on improving the status of women.

"I have requested the women to go out and learn the importance of cleanliness. I am also opening a ladies' university very soon, where proper education will be imparted," said the actress, who feels that while the main Mathura is self-equipped, the villagers need "drastic improvement".