Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
The city roared with devotion as lakhs of people flooded Kranti Chowk to celebrate Shiv Jayanti. The streets pulsed with energy as chants of "Jai Shivray" echoed through the night. From Tuesday evening till midnight on Wednesday, the city remained gripped in a feverish celebration of its revered warrior king.
For 36 hours, Kranti Chowk transformed into a vibrant hub of devotion, where young men and women, draped in traditional attire, paid homage to the Maratha icon. Young women in nine-yard sarees(navari), adorned with crescent moon(chandrakaur) tilaks and sunglasses, stood at the forefront, their presence adding to the grandeur. Various organizations had set up grand stages at different corners of the square MNS near Usmanpura Road, the District Shiv Jayanti Utsav Committee in the east, and Arun Hiwale’s platform in the west.
Since garlanding the massive equestrian statue was impractical, organizers placed a smaller idol at its base, allowing devotees to offer their respects. Another idol near the main celebration stage also drew continuous reverence.
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Kranti chowk illuminated
The municipal corporation adorned the entire area with dazzling decorative lights, enhancing the celebratory spirit.
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Children in Shivaji attire steal the show
Hundreds of children, dressed as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, became the highlight of the celebrations, drawing admiration from the crowd.
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Youth dance to DJ beats
Music systems installed on all four stages played high-energy anthems dedicated to Shivaji Maharaj. Enthusiastic youths, holding portraits of the legendary king and some even of activist Manoj Jarange Patil, danced passionately. The square reverberated with cries of "Jai Jijau, Jai Shivaji."
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Heavy police security & traffic restrictions
All roads leading to the venue were closed to vehicular traffic up to half a kilometer away to manage the swelling crowd.
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Morning tributes by leaders
The day commenced with a solemn flag-hoisting ceremony at Kranti Chowk, where prominent leaders, including OBC Welfare Minister Atul Save, Leader of Opposition in MLC Ambadas Danve, MPs Sandipan Bhumre and Dr Kalyan Kale, former MP Chandrakant Khaire and District Shiv Jayanti Utsav Committee founder Prithviraj Pawar, paid floral tributes to the legendary Maratha king. As the sun set on the grand celebrations, the echoes of "Jai Shivray" lingered, reaffirming Shivaji Maharaj’s enduring legacy in the hearts of the people.