Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti or Shivaji Jayanti is the birth anniversary of the Maratha king Shivaji. In honor of the founder of the Maratha state, Rosi Shivaji Jayanti is celebrated every year on February 19 in Sajari. Shivaji Maharaj was born on March 21, 1690, in Rosi, Shivneri Kilavar Jhala, Pune. This year marks the 393rd birth anniversary of the mighty Maratha.
Shivaji Jayanti is primarily a Maharashtrian festival celebrated as a holiday. The day is a public holiday in the state. The day is usually celebrated with great enthusiasm and pride. Folk cultural programs are also organized.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti 2023: History
Shivaji Jayanti, or Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti, was founded by Mahatma Jyotirao Phule in 1870. Raigad is about 100 kilometers from Pune, where Mahatma Jyotirao Phule discovered the tomb of Shivaji Maharaj. The first place to celebrate Shivaji Jayanti would have been Pune.
It was only after Shivaji Jayanti that Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a respected freedom fighter, published the contributions of Shivaji Maharaj and influenced people by burning the statue of Shivaji Maharaj.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti 2023: Significance
In Maharashtra, Shivaji Jayanti is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the state. On this day, the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the Marathas is celebrated. On the occasion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti, people remember his contributions and pay respect to him in the form of cultural festivals. The bravery and intelligence of Shivaji Maharaj will always amaze and inspire people.
In the court and administration of Shivaji Maharaj, Marathi and Sanskrit or other languages were used as official languages instead of Persian, which would have been the common language at that time. Shivaji Maharaj’s birthday is an occasion to remember his important role in the creation of the Maratha Empire. In 1674, Shivaji Maharaj was crowned as Chhatrapati at Raigad Kilavar.
Celebration Details
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti is celebrated with great enthusiasm among the Maratha communities across Maharashtra and the entire country. The festivals include:
- Cultural events: Processions, dramas, and speeches are organized to commemorate his life and achievements.
- Public Holiday: February 19 is a public holiday in Maharashtra, with schools, colleges, banks, and government offices closed on this day.
- Dry Day: A “dry day” is enforced by the state government, which prohibits the sale of alcohol to maintain decorum on the day of celebration.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti is not only a celebration of the birth of India’s finest warrior, but also a reminder of his lasting legacy. When people gather to celebrate on February 19, 2025, they pay tribute not just to a historical icon but also to the values he believed in – courage, justice and self-governance. These celebrations are a reflection of his contribution to Indian history and culture, inspiring future generations to live these values in their lives.
1. Who was Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj?
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was the legendary founder of the Maratha Empire, renowned for his exceptional military strategies, visionary leadership and progressive governance that redefined Indian history.
2. When is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti celebrated?
Shivaji Jayanti is celebrated every year on February 19 in Maharashtra, honoring the birth anniversary of the great Maratha king and his enduring legacy.
3. What are the major achievements of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj?
Shivaji Maharaj is celebrated for establishing a sovereign Maratha state, pioneering innovative military tactics, promoting local languages in administration, and laying the foundations of self-governance and justice in India.
4. How is Shivaji Jayanti celebrated in Maharashtra?
In Maharashtra, Shivaji Jayanti is celebrated with great enthusiasm through public processions, cultural events, plays and speeches, while government offices, schools and banks remain closed to honor his legacy.
5. Why is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj an important figure in Indian history?
His visionary leadership, commitment to justice and perseverance in the face of adversity have made Shivaji Maharaj a symbol of Indian pride and an enduring inspiration for generations, influencing modern cultural and political thought.
6. What makes Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj a symbol of Maratha pride?
Shivaji Maharaj embodies the spirit of Maratha valor and determination; his accomplishments in establishing a strong, independent empire and his commitment to the welfare of his people inspire pride and patriotism among the Maratha community.
Also Read: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti: Let’s Recall The Greatest Battles Fought By Him
