Last Update: February 18, 2023, 08:10 IST
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti is a public holiday in Maharashtra. (Representational Image: Shutterstock)
On the occasion of 393rd birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, this year Shivaji Jayanti will be celebrated on February 19 at Agra Fort.
CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ JAYANTI 2023: The birth anniversary of the great Maratha emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is celebrated every year with grand festivities across Maharashtra and other parts of the country. Shivaji Jayanti or Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti is celebrated every year on 19 February to honor the great warrior king’s contribution in reviving the Maratha Empire and pay tribute to his rich legacy.
The first Chhatrapati and great Maratha warrior was born in 1630 at Shivneri Fort in Pune. Shivaji Maharaj is revered not only in Maharashtra, but is equally revered across India for his progressive thinking, rich cultural heritage and efforts to free India from foreign invaders. His dream of Swarajya.
On the occasion of 393rd birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, this year Shivaji Jayanti will be celebrated on February 19 at Agra Fort.
Shivaji Jayanti: History and Significance
Maharashtra’s social reformer, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule was the first to initiate Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti in 1870, when he discovered his tomb at Raigad Fort. Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti was first celebrated in Pune, as Raigad Fort is 100 kms away from the place.
After Jyotirao Phule, the great freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak continued the tradition of celebrating the day. He is also credited to the freedom fighter for highlighting the contribution of the Maratha king among the public during the freedom movement.
One of the greatest advocates of the Marathi and Sanskrit languages under his rule, the Maratha king truly stands as a hero of the nation and a role model for many for his contribution to India’s history and culture.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti: Celebrations
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti is a public holiday in Maharashtra. Several events, organized by both the state government and private organizations, mark the celebration of the day. Grand processions are taken out on this day in different parts of Maharashtra. The grand festivities celebrate the rich heritage of the Maratha emperors and the diverse culture of Maharashtra.
For the first time this year, Shivaji Jayanti will be celebrated at Diwan-e-Aam of Agra Fort. This program will be jointly organized by the Government of Maharashtra and other social organizations. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis have expressed their gratitude to the Central Government for allowing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti celebrations.
read all Latest Lifestyle News Here