Maharashtra Celebrates Shivaji Jayanti: A Tribute to the Legendary Maratha King

MAHARASHTRA, FEBRUARY 19,2024 , Maharashtra is alive with festivities as the state celebrates the 394th birth anniversary of the iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis graced the prestigious ceremony at the historic Shivneri Fort in Pune, paying tribute to the revered king. The fort, a testament to Shivaji’s bravery and strategic brilliance, has attracted a significant number of devotees who have gathered to honor the memory of the legendary ruler. The event is a poignant reminder of Shivaji’s enduring legacy and his profound impact on Maharashtra’s history and culture.

In light of the event, stringent security measures have been put in place, with a substantial police presence deployed to ensure the safety of all attendees and to prevent any potential disturbances. The birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is being celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm throughout the state. The Shivneri fort, in particular, has become a focal point for devotees, who have gathered in large numbers to mark the occasion.

Shivaji Jayanti is marked by a variety of cultural programs, processions, and events that celebrate the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj. Individuals from all walks of life come together to honor the great warrior king who fought for the rights of his people and established a robust and prosperous kingdom. The festival serves as a reminder of the values of bravery, courage, and leadership that Shivaji Maharaj embodied, and continues to inspire generations of Indians.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, along with Cultural Affairs Minister Sudhir Mangantiwar and Jammu and Kashmir Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha, unveiled a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district near the Line of Control last year. The equestrian statue, standing at ten and a half feet, was installed in 41 Maratha Rifles (Maratha LI) near the India-Pakistan border. The statue was built in collaboration with the ‘Amhi Punekar Foundation’ and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Smarak Samiti. Soil and water from five forts, namely Shivneri, Torna, Rajgarh, Pratapgarh, and Raigarh, were brought for the statue.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde paid homage to the Maratha King by garlanding his statue in Chembur. Due to Shivaji Jayanti, banks across the state are reportedly closed today.

By – Kashish Jain