Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
Maharashtra’s revered deity, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was celebrated on his 396th birth anniversary on Thursday with enthusiasm across the city. Thousands of devotees gathered at Kranti Chowk for vehicle rallies, disciplined processions of drums and musical bands, and children dressed as Chhatrapati Shivaji, young Shivbā, and Jijau.
City colonies organized programs with hundreds of vehicles joining rallies at Kranti Chowk. Festival committees set up stages, and powadas glorifying Shivaji Maharaj played over loudspeakers, energizing the atmosphere. Around 11.30 am, the helicopter flower shower further thrilled the crowd. Chants of “Jai Bhavani, Jai Shivaji” and “Tumche Amche Nate Kay… Jai Jijau, Jai Shivray” echoed throughout. The district Shiv Jayanti Celebration Committee organized the program, attended by mayor Sameer Rajurkar, guardian minister Sanjay Shirsat, OBC welfare minister MLA Atul Save, MPs Dr Bhagwat Karad and Dr. Kalyan Kale, commissioner of police Pravin Pawar, MLC Sanjay Kenekar, corporator Anil Makariye, Jalinder Shendge, founder president Prithviraj Pawar, and current president Kishor Shitole.
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Massive participation by devotees
Millions of Shiv devotees attended Kranti Chowk throughout the day. Women and girls wore traditional nine-yard Marathi sarees, while many young men appeared in Shivbā attire. Parents brought children dressed as Shivbā and Jijau, whose performances captivated all attendees.
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Drum bands electrify the atmosphere
Shivraj Damuanna Shinde’s drum band and the Swayamsevak Foundation’s Gajvakra troupe delivered powerful performances, adding energy to the festivities. Students of Warkari Vidyalaya presented vibrant processions in traditional attire.
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Honoring shiv devotees on multiple stages
Stages at Kranti Chowk were set up by the jillha Shiv Jayanti Committee, Laddha Bhumi Putra Shiv Jayanti Committee, Chhawa Shiv Jayanti Committee, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Shiv Jayanti Committee, Maratha Business Network, Communist Party of India, Swayamsevak Foundation, Snehbandh Pratishthan, Jai Shivray Committee, and Jai Bhimray Committee. Dignitaries offered greetings and blessings to devotees.
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Warkari Students’ Performance
Students from Shri Mauli Gurukul Ashram School, Nillod, dressed in Warkari attire, presented a live enactment of Vitthal-Rukmai on the District Shiv Jayanti Committee stage. Their procession, with the chant “Mauli… Mauli…”, left a lasting impression on the audience.
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Intellectual spirit enriches festivity
This year, Shiv Jayanti highlighted intellect alongside celebration. A book stall by the Communist Party of India attracted youth eager to read “Shivaji Kon Hota?” in multiple languages. Books on Bhagat Singh, Mahatma Phule, and other social thinkers were popular. Around 200 books were sold by 8 pm, reflecting thoughtful engagement.