Chhatrapati Shivaji Jayanti marks the birth commemoration of the noble Indian king Shivaji. It’s celebrated on the 19^th of February every year. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was the epitome of grandeur, chivalry, kindness and generosity. The day began to be celebrated as the Shiv Jayanti in 1870 by Mahatma Jyotirao Phule in Pune. It’s the 392^nd birthday of the Maratha ruler. On Shivaji Jayanti or Shiv Jayanti, people celebrate with great pride and courage and set up long parades besides alternative merriments.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Jayanti was a good mortal and one amongst the bravest, most sensible rulers of India who invariably revered individuals of all religions. He invariably fought with the rulers, not with religions.

This festival is principally celebrated by the Maharashtrians (people of Maharashtra) in Mumbai, Maharashtra. This day is observed as a public holiday amongst all the Maharashtrians. This festival is ascertained with a lot of zeal and enthusiasm, celebrating pride and honour to the chivalrous king. Numerous cultural programs are being organized within the region of Mumbai, and people dance and sing with immense excitement. However, this year due to the continued Covid-19 pandemic there shall be undeniable restrictions and people should follow certain regulations. This year there will not be any public gatherings and events due to the pandemic.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj: History

Mahatma Jyotirao Phule first started the festival of Shivaji Jayanti in 1870. He was the one who first founded Shivaji Maharaj’s tomb in Raigad. The celebration of this festival was first ascertained in Pune.

The great freedom fighter, Bal Gangadhar Tilak was the one who took forward the commemoration and was accountable to bring the cherished contribution of King Shivaji into the limelight and greatly motivated the people by accenting the image of the nice emperor.

Shivaji founded the Maratha Empire once seizing the forts of Torna, Raigad, and Kondana at the age of 17. His installation as the emperor of Maratha was held in Raigad in 1674 once he was 44 years old. It had 50,000 people present. He promoted the utilization of Marathi and Sanskrit languages in court throughout his rule. He was an excellent warrior and an intelligent leader who handled politics well throughout his reign. He had 4 wives and 8 youngsters. He later died of fever and infectious disease in 1680, at the age of 50.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj: Significance

In Mumbai, Maharashtra, this day is remembered as a widespread holiday and is being celebrated with loads of magnificence and excitement. On this day one may witness the wealthy and wide cultural heritage of the Marathas. The people commemorate the immense contribution of the brave king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his birthday of remembrance and pay respect and honour in organizing many cultural events and participating in them. The importance of his birth anniversary is to commemorate the crucial role of the great king in building the Maratha Realm and promoting the Maratha Culture. In 1674, Shivaji Maharaj has been coroneted as the Chhatrapati at Raigad.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj: Important Facts

Here are some lesser-known important facts about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his 392^nd birth anniversary:

1. Shivaji was Secular at the time when all the other kingdoms in India were sticking out to their spiritual and religious beliefs.
2. Shiv Sena celebrates ‘Shivaji Jayanti’ as per the “tithi” – on Falgun Vadya Tritiya.
3. Shivaji’s name wasn’t derived from the name of Lord Shiva but a regional divinity by the name Shivai.
4. His dream was to expel Mughals and build a Maratha empire, not a Hindu empire. He fought those rulers, not religions, who exhibit as a threat to his kingdom.
5. Shivaji engineered a strong navy and is known as the father of the Indian Navy “Torna” (Tornagad) or “Prachandgad” was the primary fort captured by the 16-year-old Shivaji Maharaj.
6. Shivaji reached out to Aurangzeb to assist him to conquer Bijapur however, 2 officers raided the Mughal space close to Ahmednagar and Bijapur wasn’t conquered.
7. Unlike several alternative rulers, Shivaji Maharaj ensured that women of captured territories were left unscathed.
8. When Aurangzeb imposed the Jizya tax on Hindus, Shivaji was the sole Hindu ruler who protested against it.
9. Shivaji was productive in escaping from the besieging of the Panhala Fort. Once Shivaji Maharaj was cornered in Panhala Fort by Siddi Johar’s army, he devised an idea to flee.
10. Shivaji Maharaj was merciful and greeted anyone in his army who conceded. He was extraordinarily caring and never raided non-secular places and houses of the people.

People of Maharashtra regard Chhatrapati Shivaji Jayanti as their pride and honour. The eve is also celebrated in Goa and Karnataka.

Here are some of the wonderful quotes of Shivaji Maharaj:

• “Never bend your head always hold it high.”
• “No need to be learned from own fault. We can learn a lot from others’ mistakes.”
• “Freedom is a boon, which everyone has the right to receive.”
• “Do not think of the enemy as weak, and then do not be too scared to feel too strong.”
• “When you are enthusiastic, the mountain also looks like a clay pile.”
• “Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother.”
• “Even if there were a sword in the hands of everyone, it is willpower that establishes a government.”
• “Even if there were a sword in the hands of everyone, it is willpower that establishes a government.”
• “Self-confidence provides strength and Power imparts knowledge. Knowledge provides stability and stability leads to victory.”
• A courageous & brave man also bends in the honour of the learned and wise. Because courage also comes from knowledge and wisdom.
• The strongest of enemies can be defeated with your conviction, determination and passion.
• Nation First. Then your Guru, your Parents and finally your God! So, the nation should always come before you.
• A small move toward your small aim later lets you achieve bigger goals.

Also published on Medium.