Born in 1630 at Shivneri Fort, Shivaji Maharaj founded a progressive and well-administered kingdom recognized for its military strength, administrative reforms, and promotion of local language and culture. He is celebrated for his leadership, strategic warfare, and the establishment of ‘Swaraj’ (self-rule) in the face of Mughal dominance.
The holiday honouring Shivaji Maharaj begins with traditional ceremonies, where people gather at his statues and memorials to adorn them with flowers and garlands. During this time, the iconic Bhagwa (saffron) flag is hoisted amid chants of “Jai Bhavani, Jai Shivaji.” Communities organize various cultural programs, including historical plays that depict significant events from Shivaji’s life, martial arts demonstrations showcasing traditional Maratha warfare techniques, and exhibitions highlighting the rich heritage of the Maratha Empire. Educational institutions actively participate by conducting essay competitions, drawing contests, and special assemblies to help students learn about Shivaji’s principles and contributions.